Each year, one of Central Ohio’s most beloved holiday traditions transforms the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium into a glowing winter wonderland. Now celebrating its 37th year, Wildlights shines brighter than ever with millions of LED lights, dazzling displays, and unforgettable moments for the whole family. Want to make the most of your trip? Here’s everything you need to know about Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo!
Wildlights runs from November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
- Sunday – Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
- (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.)
What's New This Year
This season brings brand-new displays and experiences that are sure to wow visitors of all ages:
- Adventure Cove Animated Pixel Passage – Walk through a 200-foot immersive tunnel with more than 32,000 pixels (that’s about 2.5 miles of glowing lights!).
- Two New Animated Musical Light Displays at Conservation Lake – Don’t miss “Global Celebrations” and “Electric Holiday,” featuring festive lights, laser effects, and illuminated trees set to holiday music.
- Global Traditions Plaza – Entry Village lights up with silhouettes celebrating cultural traditions from around the world.
- North America Trek – The Zoo’s newest region joins the holiday fun with sparkling lights throughout.
- Elephant Habitat Projections – A new location for dazzling digital art displays—plus a chance to see the herd up close!
- Character Ambassador Photo Experiences – Two all-new themed meet-and-greets to capture the perfect holiday photo with your favorite Columbus Zoo characters.
Returning Favorites
The holiday magic wouldn’t be complete without the classics you know and love:
- Dave the Snowman – The Zoo’s cheerful, three-tiered greeter welcomes guests with holiday joy.
- Notes of Hope presented by OhioHealth – Share encouraging holiday messages for patients at OhioHealth facilities.
- Ring in the New Year with Diamond Cellar – Step inside a larger-than-life ring for a sparkling photo op in Adventure Cove.
- Sparkling Spruce presented by Diamond Cellar – This towering tree dazzles with two alternating light shows: “Candela: The Evolution of Light” and “Christmas Cheer Masterpiece.”
- Sounds of the Season presented by 93.3 The Bus – Local choirs and bands perform nightly at 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Theater.
- Oak Ridge Bears Jingle Jamboree presented by Two Rivers Restaurant and Bar – Catch this animated bear band keeping the beat in Asia Quest.
- 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride presented by Primrose Schools – A whimsical ride inspired by the classic carol.
- Jingle Jam presented by Nationwide – A festive light and music show that gets everyone dancing.
- Conservation Courtyard Tree – A glowing tribute to the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
- Dino Island Yuletide Boat Ride – Sail past prehistoric creatures with a holiday twist!
Animals to See During Wildlights
Many of the Zoo’s residents love the winter chill! Arrive before 4 p.m. to catch animals like gorillas and orangutans, who prefer to settle in early. Outdoors, you might spot reindeer, tigers, or animals in the new North America Trek, including Mexican wolves and bald eagles.
Don’t miss these other favorite habitats:
- Adventure Cove: Sea lions and harbor seals
- Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village: Various species (open until 8 p.m.)
- Asia Quest: Asian elephants—including two calves born in 2025!
- Discovery Reef: Colorful fish and sharks
- Manatee Conservation Center: Meet Stubby and the manatee calves
- Reptile Building: Snakes, turtles, and hellbenders
Parking and Admission
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is located in Powell, just north of Dublin, only a short drive from Downtown Dublin’s restaurants and hotels.
Admission:
- Adults: $35.99
- Seniors (60+): $33.99
- Children (3–9): $28.99
- Under 3: Free
- Parking: $10
Because Wildlights draws big crowds, both Zoo entrances will be open, and additional staff will help direct traffic—plan ahead and allow extra time to park. Get more traffic & parking information.
Make It a Dublin Holiday Getaway
Make your visit even more magical with a weekend stay in Dublin, Ohio! From cozy restaurants to festive shops and family-friendly hotels, it’s the perfect home base for your Wildlights adventure.
Grab the family, bundle up, and get ready to experience the sparkle of the season at Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Share your memories with us using #SoDublin.
Find more holiday happenings in Dublin here.
