Mark your calendar for a night of free admission to Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. From Friday, November 20, 2020 – Sunday, January 3, 2021, you can check out the Columbus Zoo Christmas lights and festivities featuring displays of millions of LED lights and holiday fun.
For one day only, you can enjoy free admission to Columbus Zoo and Wildlights with donation for the Stuff the Truck food drive!
Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights Attractions
Sparkling Spruce: The 42-ft. LED-powered tree. This 21 century tree presents the shows “Candela: The Evolution of Light” and “Holiday Cheer” featuring light and sound displays to delight visitors of all ages. The shows alternate every 30 minutes.
Holiday Rhythms Around the Waterhole: Check out the alternating animated light shows around Conservation Lake every 30 minutes.
S’mores Experience: New for 2020, this socially-distanced activity allows guests to gather around a glowing fire to roast their own giant marshmallow. After roasting, seating is available for guests to assemble their own warm and gooey s’more while taking in our animated light display from the shores of Conservation Lake. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Guests can add a S’mores Experience ticket for $3.99 each to any timed entry reservation for Wildlights.
Santa Experience at Polar Frontier: Located in the North America Region at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost. Sunday, 4 pm – 9 pm; Monday-Thursday, 5 pm – 9 pm; Friday-Saturday: 4 pm – 10 pm.
Guests can speak with Santa while socially distant at no cost. The custom-made photo set is inspired by the “Up on the Housetop” song written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864, and will show guests looking out a window while Santa is in his sleigh and a few of his reindeer adorn the “housetop.” Professional photos are available for an additional fee. These are no-contact photos, so guests will not sit on or with Santa. Guests are also permitted to take their own photos but only at a designated location after the professional photograph is taken.
For those medically able, guests are required to wear masks at all times while indoors, except when the photo is being taken. Reservations strongly recommended and expire 15 minutes after your scheduled time; walkups subject to availability. Groups limited to 10 people.
Reservations are strongly recommended; walkups subject to availability. Groups are limited to 10 guests. Please note that Santa will not be available after December 23 due to other obligations.
Animated Musical Light Shows around Conservation Lake featuring holiday rhythms. Enjoy the show every 30 minutes, starting at 5:45 p.m.
Rudolph and Friends in Asia Quest: Rudolph, Bumble, and Hermey the Elf will be hanging out for photos and fun.
Polar Bear Express Train Ride: Ride through the Winter Wonderland on the North American train tour. $2 per rider
Camel Rides: Heart of Africa will be closed, but the camels will be giving rides through the season. $7 per ride
Carousel Rides south of Shores Park: $2 per person
Santa’s Reindeer Corral
Jingle Ball Animated Light Display: Shores Play Park will illuminate with a brilliant display and holiday tunes.
4D Theater Experiences: (additional fees apply) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Hot Chocolate will be available for purchase on those chilly evenings! Dress warm, but there are plenty of indoor holiday activities where you can warm up.
Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Free Admission for Wildlights with the Stuff the Truck food drive
Get free admission to Wildlights on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, when you contribute to the Wildlights Stuff the Truck Food Drive in partnership with Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
Each guest bringing 6 non-perishable food items to the Zoo will enjoy one free admission for Columbus Zoo Wildlights. Show a can at the parking booth and receive free parking as well. This is only valid on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
You will need to bring 6 items per person for each to receive free admission.
They’ll be doubling the donation locations this year to make the entry process even easier, but recommend guests arrive as early as possible. They’ll be collecting donations with free entry as early as 10 am, with Wildlights festivities starting at 5 pm, so you can come as early as you wish to explore the Zoo.
Many animals aren’t viewable after 4 or 5 pm, so if you want to visit the animals, you’ll want to arrive earlier and stay through the evening for the Wildlights. No re-entry is required when Wildlights start for the evening.
Reservations cannot be made for free admission on Stuff-the-Truck night, but admission is limited per capacity. Free admission passes will be available on the day of the event with food donation only until they are all claimed. Reservations purchased on-line for the day of the event cannot be refunded or returned with food donation. Arrive early!
There are quite a few indoor exhibits that you can check out all evening, including Asia Quest, Discovery Reef, Manatee Coast, Reptile Building, and Nocturnal Building in Australia and the Islands. Gorillas, Polar Bears, and Bonobos are not viewable after 4 pm as they settle in for sleeping.
Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Zoo Hours and Special Free Admission Days
The Zoo is open until 9 pm on Sunday-Thursday, and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday during Wildlights.
If you’re a member of Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, you can check out Wildlights a day early at Member Preview Night!
The Zoo is also offering free admission to Wildlights for first responders and public safety officials, educators, and healthcare professionals on separate occasions. See full details here.
Special Free Wildlights Dates
Wildlights Member Preview Night
Thursday, November 19 is Wildlights Member Preview Night from 5 – 9 p.m. Don’t miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony of the animated 42 inch tall Sparkling Spruce. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at Water’s Edge Park (while supplies last), meet Character and Animal Ambassadors, plus many more activities. More details will be released closer to the event.
For Wildlights Appreciation Days below, a limited number of free tickets are available each night at the Zoo’s ticket window. You cannot make online reservations for Appreciation Days. Tickets are available for early pickup at the Zoo’s ticket window starting on December 1. Proof of employment is required. You will have to pay the $10 Parking fee for the ticket pickup, but will receive a parking credit for your future visit during Appreciation Days.
First Responder and Public Safety Appreciation Days
Saturday, December 26 – Monday, December 28, 2020 are First Responder and Public Safety Appreciation Days. All current and retired first responders and public safety personnel, plus immediate family up to 5 guests, can enjoy free admission to the Columbus Zoo and Wildlights from 10 am – close. A valid police/fire photo ID must be presented (showing proof of department of employment), or badges and credentials, plus a photo ID. Standard parking fee of $10/car applies to non-members.
Qualified personnel include firefighters, EMT/paramedics, police officers, state troopers, border patrol agents, deputies, investigators, evidence technicians, firearms examiners, crime lab technicians, 911 dispatchers, corrections officers, hand writing examiners, intelligence analysts, and investigative assistants. The number of tickets is limited due to capacity limitations. Pick up your tickets early starting December 1 to guarantee free admission. (see above statement)
Educator Appreciation Days at Wildlights
Tuesday, December 29-Thursday, December 31, 2020 are Educator Appreciation Days at Wildlights. All current and retired education personnel and their immediate family members (up to 5 guests) will get free admission to the Zoo and Wildlights for the day. Parking is $10/car for non-members.
Qualified personnel include: certified public/private preK-12 grade school teachers, teachers at licensed/registered childcare and preschool facilities, college/university faculty, and home school educators with ID and proof of intent to homeschool.
In order to receive free admission, you must provide proof of being a certified educator. Acceptable forms of verification include (1) Faculty ID (indicating that you are an educator, not “staff”), (2) OEA card, (3) teaching license or certificate, (4) pay stub, (5) letter from your school district indicating intent to home school (this is provided when you register as homeschool with your school district, which is not the same at virtual learning). The number of tickets is limited due to capacity limitations. Pick up your tickets early starting December 1 to guarantee free admission. (see above statement)
Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Days
Friday, January 1 – Sunday, January 3, 2021 are Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Day. Healthcare professionals and their immediate family (up to 5 guests) can get free admission from 10 am – close.
Qualified personnel includes surgeons, physicians, therapists, nurses, CNA’s, pharmacists, optometrists, paramedics, EMT’s, dietitians, pathologists, family practitioners, phlebotomists, vet techs, chiropractors, psychiatrists, nurse’s aides, medical assistants, and more.
A valid healthcare I.D. must be presented at the Zoo’s ticket window. The number of tickets is limited due to capacity limitations. Pick up your tickets early starting December 1 to guarantee free admission. (see above statement)
Reservation details for Wildlights (except for free admission nights)
Reservations are required for Wildlights for members and non-members, except on applicable free admission nights. Free admission nights have a limited number of tickets available per capacity, and are available at the Zoo ticket window.
Until November 19, Members can still visit the Zoo after 2 p.m. without a timed entry/reservation. Starting on November 19 (through the remainder of Wildlights), Columbus Zoo Members can enjoy the Zoo BEFORE 3 p.m. without a reservation when a valid Columbus Zoo membership card and photo ID are presented at the turnstile. After 3 p.m., Members need a reservation for admission to enjoy Wildlights.
General admission tickets for non-members MUST have a reservation from 10 am – until closing; no walk-up option available. You may arrive anytime after your reservation time, but you cannot arrive before.
This reservation policy is in place from November 19-January 3. Visit the Zoo’s reopening plan page to make reservations.
Need more holiday fun in Columbus?
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
Most events are free; prices vary depending on activity; please check the Zoo website for details (choose events calendar and then select Wildlights and click on the “attractions” tab). https://columbuszoo.org/home/visit/plan-your-visit/event-calendar
Here are the ones from the Zoo website, but other activities also have fees, such as photos with Santa
Skate Rink: $4-$5 for skate rental or bring your own
Camel rides: $7
Polar Express and Carousel: $1
How much does tge extra activitys cost
As the article and the link for the Columbus Zoo states, it is on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18.
The event is on NOVEMBER 18 after 5 pm as stated in the post and on the Zoo website (link in post). This is not valid for the 20th.
I’m not affliated with the Zoo, so I can’t answer that question. Please call them directly. I would avoid glass jars of any kind.
So of I come on the 20th with 20 cans of food me my husband and two children over the age of two get in free then my two year old gets in free any day right?
Can you bring baby food instead of can foods?
So is the stuff a truck good drive on the 18 th or 20 th for free admission?
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years. Bring 5 items per person (canned and boxed is fine). You just have to show a can at the parking booth for free parking – nothing extra required.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
Thank you! That’s correct. The 20th was from 2015 and some of the old comments from last year seemed to have confused people.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years. Wildlights are in the evening after 5 pm, so hopefully you can make it Friday evening for the free admission with food drive.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years. I’m not sure what receipt you are referring to. If you bring 5 items per person, you will receive free admission to Wildlights. If you show a can at the parking booth, you’ll receive free parking as well.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016 as mentioned in the post. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
The date for the Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive for Wildlights is Friday, November 18, 2016. Any other dates that you see in the comments are from prior years.
There seems to be some confusion about the date due to comments from previous years. The date for 2016 is November 18. The other comments mentioning other dates are from prior years, as the posts are updated each year. I will make a note in the post to clear up any future confusion. Thanks!
Why does everyone keep saying the 20th, the description above says it’s only valid in the 18th.. Am I missing something??
The post says Nov. 18th for the free admission day and comments say the 20th which is it?!?
Why is everyone saying the 20th? When the post says the 18th? And do we need to show our receipt
So if we don’t have a membership what day would be free for us ? The 18th of November or any day other then the 19th?
Why does it say free admission and free parking with donation of food is only on Nov 18th and people are talking about Nov 20th. People work can’t do zoo unless weekend?????
So It says free admission is on the 18th but some comments say it is on the 20th???So what day is it on and free to non members with can goods?
OK is the free admission to the wildlights with the food drive the 18th or the 20th? At the top of the page says the 18th but in these comments people are saying the 20th.
The article i am seeing says free admission on Friday Nov 18th after 5pm. With 5 cans of food for the food drive. I see a couple people commented it’s Nov 20th. Im not seeing that.
You guys keep saying the 20th but, the article clearly says the food drive to get in free is on Friday Nov. 18th 5pm-close. Just thought you should clarify for everyone.
Am I missing something? Why do ppl in the comments keep saying Nov 20th, when the article says free admission on Nov 18th w/ food donation? Don’t want to show up on the wrong day! lol….
The article says it us valid on 11/18 only but the comments are saying 11/20. Which is the correct date for the free admission?
The article states the date for free admission with donation is the 18th but in the comments, the 20th is referred to multiple times……. Clarification please?
Why does it say that the free admission (with cans) is 5pm and after November 18th.. I have a long haul to get to Columbus so I’d rather not show up on the wrong day.
You keep saying the 20th but in the article up above it’s says that can food day is Friday November 18 th only….so I’m confused
The article says the 19th for free admission were r u guys geting the 20th
It says up top that it is only valid on the 18th? I keep seeing the 20?
why is everybody talking about the 20th when this article says the 18th
The article states free admission day with can goods is November 18th but your keep saying November 20th, which one is it?
Why in the commenrs keel saying Nov 20th is free admission after five but in the information at the top it says Friday the 18th if free admission?? I’d love to go but need to actual date of the food drive admission day..
Thank you.
If it is on the 20th wholly does the post above say Nov 18th…so which day is it
So is it friday the 18th like the article says or is it the 20th like your comments says i am confused?
i’m seeing the article says free administration is only on Friday November 18? but in the comments i am seeing free administration for the 20th? is the food drive for the 18th or the 20th?
I just noticed that all the comments are dated 2015.
The article above says the free admission with canned food, is only on November 18th. In the comments, the 19th and 20th are mentioned. What is the correct date?
So the stuff a truck food drive is November 20th that Sunday right after 5pm? And we bring 5 items per person and what all does non perishable include? Canned and boxed food? And do we donate extra to get free parking??
Many different answers…Is the Free Load the Truck on the 20th for non members?????After 5pm…right??
So the article says 18th comments say 20th. Wixh day is free for the food drive.
Is the free admission the 18th or the 20th? The add says the 18th but a post in here says the 20th. Just need it clarified. Thanks
You keep saying Nov 20th but the article says Nov 18th, which night is it?
The paragraph talking about free admission says November 18th not the 20th. So which day is free for cans of food?
The article says free admission is November 18th with donated food; however everyone, including zoo admin. are commenting that it is Nov. 20th. Which date is it?
The ad says the 18th is the free night with presentation of canned goods, but some are saying the 20th so which day is free with canned food?
that is awesome to help others for the food drive Thank you for doing this.
The 19th is a members only event, just an FYI.
During this free admission to the wildlights on the 20th, what are the hours of operation?
FYI, you have to have a Zoo membership to see the Wildlights on Nov. 19th.