COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is preparing to turn into a winter wonderland for its 35th Wildlights event, which starts Nov. 27 and runs through Jan. 7, 2024. 

What You Need To Know

  • The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but Wildlights takes place Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

  • The event is included with zoo admission, and regular admission rates apply to all guests

  • Admission is free for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members

The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but Wildlights takes place Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

The event is included with zoo admission, and regular admission rates apply to all guests. However, admission is free for zoo members. 

This year, there will be millions of lights and displays for guests to enjoy. Some parts of Wildlights include the “12 Days of Wildlights” train ride, the "Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration" for adults 21 and older, a holiday tree trail and opportunities to visit Santa Claus.

While the light displays are the spotlight of the event, there are still animal viewing opportunities. The zoo encourages visitors to see animals before Wildlights activities, as some animals — such as gorillas and polar bears — fall asleep earlier than others. However, many animals will be outdoors during the event and habitats will be open, including: 

  • Sea lions at Adventure Cove
  • Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village at Adventure Cove
  • Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center at Asia Quest
  • Pachyderm Building at Asia Quest, which is viewable until 7 p.m.
  • Discovery Reef Aquarium at Shores & Aquarium
  • Manatee Coast at Shores & Aquarium
  • Reptile Building at Shores & Aquarium

More information about the event can be found on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium website. 

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