The Akron Zoo is covered in over 25 miles of lights, dozens of lighted displays, synchronized light show and more at Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.
I received tickets to facilitate this post.
This is the place to celebrate Christmas with your family! Beyond the lights, get your picture taken with Santa Claus, take a ride on the carousel, roast S’mores over an open fire, enjoy up-close animal encounters, and of course, visit your zoo animal friends.
Winter is one of our favorite times of year to visit the Akron Zoo because many of the animals are even more active and howling, like the snow leopard and lions! The bears, wolves, coyotes, and otters at Grizzly Ridge are really active too.
The year was 2000 when the last Wild Lights lit up Akron’s western hill, we are so glad they are back to enjoy with our children.
Around every corner, you’ll find new light displays! It is fantastic to combine the fun of the Akron Zoo with thousands of lights! You can enjoy the zoo’s 4-star green certified restaurant for dinner, or at the very least grab a cup of hot chocolate!
My kids always love the carousel, it is even more fun at night!
Who can resist s’mores?! You can purchase kits when you get your tickets or at the s’mores station. It was so fun to gather around the fire with our family and others to roast marshmallows together.
Throughout the zoo, there will be up-close animal encounters throughout Wild Lights. My kids enjoy seeing animals up close and learning interesting details about that animal during animal encounters.
Take a visit to Santa Land at the Akron Zoo to chat with Santa at no additional charge! Santa was great and as you can see, the real deal. Be sure to bring your camera for free pictures with Santa at the Akron Zoo.
For even more fun, you get to Wild Lights early for Snack with Santa, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. on December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18. The event will include a story read by an elf, visits with Santa, crafts, snacks and kids can write letters to Santa. Pricing includes Wild Lights for this even.
Wild Lights runs December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-23 & 26-30 from 6 – 9 p.m. If you purchase your tickets prior to the day of the event, you will receive a discount and will enjoy early admission to the event at 5 p.m. I highly recommend this so you have more time to explore Wild Lights!
Wild Lights Admission Pricing:
Adults – $15 ($12 Zoo Members)
Children – $10 ($9 Zoo Members)
Parking – $3 (FREE for Zoo Members)
Save money with Presale Admission:
Adults – $12 ($9 Zoo Members)
Children – $9 ($8 Zoo Members)
Parking – $3 (FREE for Zoo Members)