For 38 years, Columbus has measured the holidays in lights — millions of them. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium returns November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with the whole zoo wrapped in LED wonder, animated light shows dancing on the lake and Santa holding court in his workshop.
Wildlights is included with regular admission (free for members), which makes it the region’s best holiday value: arrive in the afternoon to see the animals, stay as dusk flips the park into pure sparkle. A sensory-friendly stroll on November 17 and a members’ preview on November 19 open the season gently.
Hot chocolate in hand, reindeer located, carousel glowing — this is the Central Ohio childhood rite of winter.
Bundle up, Columbus. The zoo is about to glow.
