It’s almost time for the Columbus Zoo to flip the switch on one of Central Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions. Wildlights returns Nov. 20, bringing millions of twinkling lights, festive entertainment, and a couple of new attractions to Powell for its 38th year.
This year’s lineup includes a nighttime safari featuring enormous illuminated animal displays and a new walk-through LEGO experience with some seriously impressive builds. There will also be plenty of familiar favorites, including the animated bear band, the illuminated Pixel Passage, and the holiday train ride.
Wildlights runs through Jan. 3, 2027, and there’s a little extra significance to this year’s celebration: The Zoo’s 100th anniversary year officially begins in 2027, with a special Centennial-themed light display planned for the first few nights of January.
Two new attractions are joining the Wildlights lineup in 2026.
Starlight Safari will transform Adventure Cove into a glowing nighttime experience with seven larger-than-life, three-dimensional illuminated animal displays. The installations represent different regions of the Zoo and include a polar bear, an Asian elephant and calf, a Florida manatee, a Masai giraffe, a red kangaroo, and a California sea lion. A western lowland gorilla display is expected to arrive in December.
The popular Pixel Passage will also return nearby, giving visitors another chance to walk through its 200-foot tunnel featuring 32,000 glowing pixels.
Over in Asia Quest, Bricktopia: An Array of WILD Builds will bring together the worlds of wildlife and LEGO bricks. Created in partnership with OhioLUG, a Recognized LEGO Fan Community, the indoor exhibit will feature nine mosaics of the Zoo’s Character Ambassadors, a brick-built train display, a Holiday Animal Village, and a life-sized polar bear cub made from more than 24,000 bricks.
Other additions include expanded holiday projections, new overhead lighting displays, and a Starlight Constellation Quest in Adventure Cove.
Of course, Wildlights wouldn’t be Wildlights without a few familiar sights and traditions.
The Oak Ridge Bears Jingle Jamboree returns with its animated bear band performing holiday music in Polar Frontier. Visitors can also catch Jingle Jam in the Shores region, explore the illuminated displays around Conservation Lake, and stroll through the returning Pixel Passage.
A few attractions are included with regular Zoo admission this year, too. That means visitors can hop aboard the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, take a spin on the Grand Carousel, or enjoy the Yule Tide Dino Island Boat Ride without paying an additional ride fee. The dinosaur boat rides are available through Dec. 31.
Santa will also make an appearance in Polar Frontier, and visitors can take part in the Zoo’s Notes of Hope project by sending holiday greetings to patients receiving care at OhioHealth facilities.
For an extra-special visit, the Zoo is offering a Wildlights VIP Tour with a private golf cart ride, hot chocolate, and views of the holiday displays. There’s also a Reindeer Experience, which gives guests ages 5 and older a chance to meet the Zoo’s reindeer up close. Both experiences require advance reservations and additional fees.
Here’s one detail worth keeping in mind when planning your visit: Wildlights festivities don’t begin until 5 p.m., but the Zoo opens at noon during the season. That earlier arrival could make a big difference for anyone hoping to see animals along with the holiday displays.
Many animals settle in for the night as daylight fades, so some may not be visible during evening hours. The Zoo recommends arriving earlier to explore the animal habitats before the lights come on. Several indoor exhibits remain open during Wildlights, including the aquarium, reptile building, nocturnal building, and Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, though animal visibility is never guaranteed.
The Zoo also recommends purchasing tickets in advance and allowing extra travel time, especially on weekends and during peak holiday dates. Weeknight visits, particularly Sunday through Thursday, may offer a lighter crowd.
There are a few special events on the calendar throughout the season:
Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll: Nov. 17, 5:30–8:30 p.m. This quieter evening features smaller crowds, reduced background sounds, sensory kits, and access to a calming room. Admission is free for Zoo members, with advance registration required.
Wildlights Member Night: Nov. 19, 5–9 p.m. Zoo members can enjoy an exclusive evening of holiday lights, entertainment, treats, and shopping discounts. It’s included with Zoo membership.
Brew Lights: Nov. 28, 7–11 p.m. This separately ticketed event is for guests ages 21 and older and features craft beer tastings from local and regional breweries, live music from Zack Attack, and festive entertainment.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience: Dec. 6, noon–4 p.m. Guests can enjoy a quieter visit with Santa, with softer lighting, reduced sounds, limited crowds, and scheduled entry times. Reservations are required, and there’s a $5 fee per group. Zoo admission is not required.
Wildlights runs Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The Zoo is open daily beginning at noon during the season, with Wildlights festivities starting at 5 p.m.
Evening hours are 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Wildlights is included with regular Columbus Zoo admission or Zoo membership. Some special experiences, including the VIP Tour and Reindeer Experience, require separate reservations and additional fees.
For tickets, special event details, and more information, visit the Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights page.
The post Columbus Zoo Wildlights Returns for Its 38th Year With New Attractions appeared first on Columbus Navigator.
