# Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

> Event for families in the Columbus area (OH). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
- Ages: All ages (Children under 3 free)
- Price: $20-$26 general admission; free for children under 3; parking $10
- Organizer: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Official page: https://www.columbuszoo.org/events/wildlights
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/wildlights-at-columbus-zoo-and-aquarium--listing-f178c4a6ee35e7a86b93192d

## About

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's 38th annual Wildlights transforms the grounds into an enchanting Central Ohio winter wonderland powered by more than 3 million dazzling LED lights. Families will marvel at the illuminated animatronic displays, animated musical light shows dancing across Conservation Lake, and the immersive 12-minute Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D Experience. Children can meet Santa Claus at his snowy Polar Frontier retreat, encounter majestic cold-weather wildlife like polar bears, sea otters, and reindeer, and take cheerful rides on the historic 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel and the North America Train. Wintry treats including spiked hot chocolate for parents, jumbo s'mores roasting kits, warm funnel cakes, and hand-carved ice sculptures line the illuminated walkways throughout the zoo.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Paved, barrier-free pathways throughout all zoo regions; single and double stroller rentals available at the main entry pavilion.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Climate-controlled nursing mother suites and family companion care rooms located at the Zoo Entry Plaza and near the Suzie Edwards Conservation Pavilion.
• Age Suitability: Wonderfully tailored for all ages, from infants bundled in wagons to active children and grandparents.
• Sensory Tips: Lakeside light shows feature energetic synchronized flashing; calibrated sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and feeling cards are available for free checkout at Guest Relations.

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