There is nothing that makes the holidays more festive than lights. And if you visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during its Wildlights event, you will not be disappointed as millions of LED lights bring the zoo to life.
The exhibit runs from November 16th, 2018 to January 6th, 2019. Hours of operation are from 5PM to 9PM from Sunday to Thursday and an extended hour until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Spreading holiday cheer for nearly 30 years, the Columbus Zoo has expanded its Wildlights exhibit to include a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and his reindeer. You can see him at the Santaland Zoo which is made of gingerbread. There are three animated musical shows to include Rudolph’s Remix and Holiday Magic Animated Musical Light Show. Many of the food stands will be open and additional offerings will include seasonal treats.
There is also a Holiday Skate Rink which offers skate rentals, $4 for zoo members and $5 for non-members. The Animals on Safari will be putting on a seasonal show called “Another Character Christmas” while animated bears will put on a Jingle Bear Jamboree at the Battelle Ice Bear Post.
And as if that is not enough holiday cheer for a day, there is also a tribute show which includes characters from holiday shows and movies.
Regular admission applies, so check out the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium’s website for up-to-date prices. And if you are a member of the zoo, there is no additional fee to enjoy Wildlights. Private tours are available for an additional cost.
The Carousel is also open during the event, so make sure you take some time to enjoy the ride. You can also board the Polar Bear Express Train Ride or a camel ride for an additional charge.
Some of the animal exhibits remain open during the Wildlights festivities, but make sure you arrive before 4PM so you can see the gorillas and polar bears before they turn in early.
An outing to the zoo is a wonderful way to experience the holiday season. Enjoy all of the activities and events the venue has to offer to maximize your trip.
Is a visit to the zoo over the holidays a tradition in your family? I would love to hear what keeps you coming back each year. Please leave a message in the comment section below. Happy Zoo Year!
What to See and What to Do:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 Powell Road
Powell, OH 53065
Telephone: 614 645 3400
- Admission Fee: For non-zoo members, the entrance fee is $17.99 for adults and $12.99 for children. Parking is $8. You can purchase your tickets online and save $1 on admission. Franklin County residents will save $3 with valid identification.
- Hours: Wildlights hours are from Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
- Amenities: Limited animal enclosures open, holiday events and exhibits, restaurants, restroom, some rides are open during this time
- Scenic View: Beautiful holiday lights
- Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Come early as parking fills up quickly.
Where to Stay:
Cloverleaf Suites
4130 Tuller Road
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 766 7762
Where to Eat:
Congo River Market Food Court at the Zoo
While visitors can choose from cheeseburgers, fresh salads, deli sandwiches and kids’ meals, we opted for the Donato’s Pizza.
Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
- North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
- The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.
What to Read:
- Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
- Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
- Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
- Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper
Photo Guide for Columbus:
- Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
- Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
- Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
- Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
- Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
- Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
- German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
- Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
- Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
- Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
- Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
- Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
- Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
- Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
- Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
- Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
- Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
- Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
- Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo
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Carousel at the Zoo
Polar Bear Exhibit
Columbus Wildlights