Wildlights efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

Don’t miss out on one of Central Ohio's favorite family holiday traditions! The yuletide season comes alive with millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Attractions:

Sparkling Spruce Presented by Diamond Cellar:
Located in Adventure Cove
This tannenbaum of the 21st century presents a dazzling display of light and sound will be sure to take you on a magical journey that will inspire us all this holiday season.

Holiday Magic - Animated Light Display
Located at Conservation Lake
Experience a spectacular display of light set to festive songs that will bring out the holiday spirit in everyone.

New! Sounds of the Season
Located at Lakeside Theater
Local choral, band and other musical groups from schools and other organizations will share their musical talents with the guests at Wildlights on select nights at 7:00pm.
Performance times vary when two groups are scheduled on one night.

Schedule:

11/28/2022: Delaware Christian School Orchestra
11/29/2022: Troy Christian Band
11/30/2022: Olentangy Orange H.S. Ambassador Orchestra
12/1/2022: Modern Movement A-Capella
12/2/2022: School of Rock Gahanna
12/2/2022: Old Sawmill Elementary Choir
12/3/2022: Calvary Bible Church Brass Ensemble
12/3/2022: Gahanna Community Chorus
12/4/2022: Capriccio Youth Choir
12/5/2022: Cedarville University Jazz Band
12/6/2022: Danville H.S. Jazz Band
12/7/2022: The Conservatory of Piano
12/8/2022: Pleasant Jazz Band
12/9/2022: Liberty Union Local Ensemble
12/9/2022: Waynedale H.S. Carolers
12/10/2022: Miami Trace Soundsations
12/11/2022: The Worthington Chorus
12/11/2022: Scioto Valley Chorus
12/12/2022: Heath H.S. Choirs
12/13/2022: Hamilton Township H.S. Chambers
12/14/2022: Scioto Valley Brass
12/15/2022: Thomas Worthington H.S. Jazz Band
12/16/2022: The Conservatory of Piano
12/17/2022: The Entertainers
12/18/2022: Heart & Solentangy Staff Choir*
12/18/2022: Heart Song & Friends*
12/19/2022: Barbershop Holiday Harmony
12/20/2022: Hamilton Middle School 8th Grade Treble Choir
12/21/2022: Whitehall Yearling H.S.
12/22/2022: Central Ohio Folk Harp Society
12/27/2022: Deborah Jane
12/28/2022: Little Big Band of Columbus
12/29/2022: Joe Manning
12/30/2022: Benjamin Marshall
1/1/2023: Little Big Band of Columbus

S'Mores Experience
Located near Lakeside Grill
Gather around a glowing fire to roast your own giant marshmallow and enjoy this favorite holiday treat while creating even more holiday memories. Open 5:00 to park close, weather permitting Additional fees apply.

New! Jolliest Of Holidays Craft Beer Celebration

Taking place Thursday through Sunday evenings during the Wildlights season, Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration features more than 40 seasonal craft beers, ciders, and seltzers from 25 different breweries. Guests have the opportunity to pay-as-you-go or purchase a tasting card that includes six sample size pours from any of seven different Jolliest Holiday tasting locations throughout the Zoo. Wildlights is a family-friendly, all-ages event.

Thursday/Sunday 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday/Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
6-Item Tasting Card Price: $24.00 + tax
Full-size portions of featured beers also available at regular menu price.

Guests taking part in the Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration must be at least 21 years of age with valid I.D. to purchase or consume alcohol. Tasting card punches may be redeemed across multiple visits during the 2022 Wildlights season. Some locations may not operate during periods of inclement weather. Columbus Zoo Wildlights admission is not included and is required to participate in the Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration. Alcohol service ends 30 minutes prior to park close. No refunds or exchanges for unused punches. Additional terms and responsible alcohol service policy apply.

Christmas At Character Cottage
Located in North America
There is no place like home for the holidays, so while you are at the Zoo, be sure to stop by and see your Character Ambassador friends at their cottage. While you are there, join in the fun of the Jingle Jamboree with the Oak Ridge Bears, our animated polar bear band.

New! 12 Days Of Wildlights Train Ride
Located in North America
Experience the 12 Days of Christmas in a whole new light and hop aboard this magical train ride. If you wish to sing along, here are the words.
On the First day of Wildlights the Zoo gave to me:
- A parrot in a palm tree
- Two tortoises
- Three otters
- Four kangaroos
- Five polar bears
- Six lions lounging
- Seven seals a swimming
- Eight flying foxes
- Twelve wolves a howling
Cost is $2 per ride, per person. Ride is subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

Reindeer Corral
Located in North America
On your way to visit Santa, be sure to visit some of relatives of Santa's reindeer team.

The Santa Experience
Located in the North America Region at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost.
Enjoy the ability to speak with Santa, as well as take part in a safe and fun photo opportunity.
Reservations for this experience are accepted, encouraged and are available NOW.
Please note that Santa will not be available after December 23 due to other obligations. Additional fees may apply.

November 18, 2022 through December 23, 2022
Sundays: 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Monday thru Thursday: 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Fridays: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

As in years past, The Wildlights Santa Experience will be at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, located at the Zoo's Polar Frontier Region. You must enter the front entrance of the Zoo and walk back to this area.
Guests will have the ability to talk with Santa, and then get a photo of themselves near the jolly ol' elf himself.
(There is no cost to see Santa, but if you would like to purchase photos taken during the experience, you may do so at the end for an additional charge.)
PLEASE NOTE: Guests are asked to reserve their time in advance on-line to help regulate the number of guests at the activity. Please note, admission and parking are not included with this experience.

Make Your Reservation

Camel Encounter
Located in the entrance of Heart of Africa
Even though Heart of Africa has closed for the winter, the camels have decided to stick around and be part of Wildlights this year.
Cost is $7 per person. Availability is subject to weather conditions.

Jingle Jam - Animated Light Display
Presented by Nationwide
Located at Shores Play Park
36 spheres of light illuminate the Shores Play Park with 6 different seasonal tunes every evening of Wildlights.

Rudolph 4D Experience
Located at Shores Play Park
Your guests are invited on an extraordinary 4D adventure this holiday season as they Experience RUDOLPH 4-D. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D uses the same stop motion animation as the beloved television classic to deliver a visually brilliant experience true to the story that has charmed audiences for generations. Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf and their friends on this epic adventure. Additional fees may apply.

1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel
Located at just south of Shores Park
Visit the Columbus Dispatch Charities Grand Pavilion and feel like a kid again while taking a spin on this historic carousel.
Cost is $2 per ride, per person. Ride is subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

Animals:

Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don't miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
- Sea Lions of Adventure Cove viewing Tunnel
- Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village of Adventure Cove
- Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
- Pachyderm Building (Asia Quest) viewable until 7pm nightly
- Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
- Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
- Reptile Building (Shores Region)
Gorillas, bonobos, polar bears and other animals go to sleep early and will be not available for view. We suggest to arrive before 4 p.m. to be able to see them before they settle in for the evening.

Buy Tickets

Date: November 18 - January 1, 2023

Time:

Sunday - Thursday: 5pm-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 5pm-10pm

Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 West Powell Road
Powell, OH 43065.

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