Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Wildlights is back at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium this year as a fantastic holiday tradition, and you won’t want to miss this event powered by AEP Ohio.

From November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027, you can check out the Columbus Zoo Christmas lights and festivities featuring displays of millions of LED lights and holiday fun. With new features every year, Wildlights just keeps getting better and better!

Wildlights Attractions

Sparkling Spruce: The 42-ft. LED-powered tree. This 21st century tree presents features light and sound displays to delight visitors of all ages. The shows alternate every 30 minutes.

Holiday Magic Around the Waterhole: Check out the alternating animated light shows around Conservation Lake every 30 minutes.

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.

Adventure Cove

• NEW: Starlight Safari featuring seven larger-than-life animal sculptures—one representing each region of the Zoo—each will be illuminated by thousands of points of light.
• Immersive holiday passage full of glowing lights!
• NEW! Starlight Constellation Quest sponsored by Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
  Ring in the New Year, presented by Diamond Cellar

Conservation Lake and Entry Village

• Two animated Holiday Magic light shows you won’t want to miss (Light sensitivity warning)
• Character Ambassador meet-and-greet and photo opportunity

Asia Quest

• NEW: Bricktopia: An array of WILD Builds created by the OhioLUG, a Recognized LEGO Fan Community, inside the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center

North America

• FREE rides on the “12 Days of Wildlights” Train Ride
• Reindeer Corral

Polar Frontier

• Visit with Santa until 12/23! 
• Animated Oak Ridge Bears Jingle Jamboree presented by Two Rivers Restaurant and Bar!

Shores and Aquariums

• Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide (Light sensivity warning)
• FREE 1914 Historic Carousel rides
• Bite-size holiday movie at the Zoo’s 4-D Theater

Australia and the Islands

• FREE rides on The Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride! (Available through Dec. 31)
• Wild Explorer Virtual Reality (Available through Dec. 31)

Wildlights Admission

Regular zoo admission rates apply; free for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members.  

Admission $34.99 adult, $27.99 children 3-9 and $32.99 over 60. Franklin County residents receive a $9-$10 discount with valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or a current utility bill.

Purchase tickets online to save $1 (plus save time at the gates – can show admission on your smartphone).

Parking is $12/car, free for members. Now is a good time to invest in a membership! 

Columbus Zoo Wildlights Santa Experience at Polar Frontier

Through December 23, 2026

Guests can talk with Santa and get a photo with Santa at the Columbus Zoo. It is free to visit with Santa, and you may purchase photos taken at the end of your experience. 

Reservations are not required, but are suggested due to long line

Columbus Zoo Christmas Lights Wildlights Hours

Sunday-Thursday: 5:00PM-9:00PM
Friday-Saturday: 5:00PM-10:00PM

Zoo opens daily at 10 am, and you can stay for Wildlights for as long as you like after visiting the animals. Reservations required; see above.

Many animals are inside during Wildlights. Arrive earlier in the day if you wish to view the animals. All-day admission is included.

Some of the animals may be available for indoor viewing after dark in select regions including Asia Quest, Shores Region, and the Noctural Building. These building also provide a warm respite from whatever the Ohio weather throws at us. 

The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Yearly memberships make a GREAT Christmas gift! You can use it this year to see Wildlights, and it’ll still be valid for early season Wildlights NEXT year (plus Boo at the Zoo, and Zoo fun all year). Read more here!

Special Wildlights Dates

Sensory-friendly Light Stroll

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from  5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. The sensory-friendly light stroll at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium meets the needs of guests who may be overwhelmed at a regular Wildlights night.

Tickets are limited, which makes the event less crowded. Music is turned off for the night, and flashing/blinking lights are reduced to cut down on stimuli. A limited number of indoor exhibits will be open. 

Noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices are available for use with $10 refundable deposit at Guest Relations. Read more about accommodations on the Zoo website.

Free for Zoo members, $16.95 for all guests, free parking for all.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience

Sunday, December 6, 2026 from noon – 4 pm. Tickets on sale in November.

Wildlights Member Preview Night

Thursday, November 19, 2026 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. Get food and drink discounts for one night only, plus the special limited edition holiday ornament.

Wildlights Experiences

These make great gifts or holiday experiences with families or friends!

Reindeer Encounter – Enjoy an up-close experience with the Zoo’s adorable reindeer! During this exclusive opportunity, guests will spend time with the Animal Care team while visiting the reindeer in their habitat to learn more about the care and conservation of this species. TBA for 2022

Private after-hours tours are available to enjoy Wildlights without the crowds. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of Wildlights as your ride on a golf cart through the Zoo. You’ll make some stops to visit animals at preselected areas of the Zoo during the 1 hour, 45 minute excursion.

These tours are a splurge, but make a great date night, special occasion, or memorable family holiday events. Admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is NOT included.  Reservations are limited and must be made 3 days in advance. 

Other special experience tours that may be available before, during, and after Wildlights season include, 

• Giraffe Barn Feeding Experience
• Chatting with Cheetahs
• Behind the Marina Sea Lion Tour
• Stingray Feeding Experience
• Red Panda Experience
• Animal Programs Tour
• Animal Health Center Tour
• Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village Tour 

Click on Tours and Experiences under the “Visit” tab on the website. to schedule. 

Need more holiday fun in Columbus?

Don’t miss these Christmas Events in Columbus, Ohio