# Colors of the Wild: ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

> Event for families in the Jacksonville area (FL). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 27 – Jan 3 · 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Ages: All ages welcome (Free for children under 3)
- Price: $25 adults, $20 children ages 3–12, free for children under 3; zoo members receive discount
- Organizer: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Official page: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/colors-of-the-wild
- 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/jacksonville/activities/colors-of-the-wild-zoolights-at-jacksonville-zoo-and-gardens--listing-ed2f44e928f9e16e004777b6

## About

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens dazzles visitors with Colors of the Wild, a mesmerizing nocturnal lantern festival and holiday light extravaganza. Thousands of handcrafted Asian silk lanterns representing endangered wildlife, exotic flora, and mythical creatures illuminate the zoo's botanical garden pathways alongside millions of sparkling holiday fairy lights. Children can stroll through radiant animal-themed lantern tunnels, roast marshmallows over outdoor fire pits, ride the illuminated zoo carousel and holiday train, and visit Santa Claus inside his cozy garden workshop.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Smooth paved pathways throughout the entire 117-acre botanical and zoological grounds make stroller and wagon use effortless.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Dedicated Nursing Mother's Suite located in the Main Entry Plaza, plus numerous garden benches and clean family restrooms with changing stations throughout.
• Age Suitability: Exceptional holiday adventure for children of all ages, from babies in strollers to school-age kids and grandparents.
• Sensory Tips: Ambient world music and warm glow create a calm atmosphere; select low-volume sensory nights are offered for sensitive guests, with quiet zones in botanical gardens.

## Similar picks in Jacksonville

- [ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/zoolights-at-jacksonville-zoo--listing-6b60ec2f874625619d56d6b6) — Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens · All ages · From $30 · sold out when last checked · checked Oct 30. After a three-year absence, ZOOLights returns to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as an evening holiday walk. Families stroll under light tunnels, past larger-than-life illuminated…
- [Community First Igloo Holiday Public Skating & Santa on Ice](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/community-first-igloo-holiday-public-skating-and-santa-on-ice--listing-d4b00acac2dc35522b7de3f6) — Nov 27 – Jan 3 · 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Community First Igloo · All ages · From $14 · checked Nov 5. The Community First Igloo, home of the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team, invites families to experience a real winter on the ice in Florida during their Holiday Public Skating…
- [Jacksonville Holiday River Fest and Light Boat Parade](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/jacksonville-holiday-river-fest-and-light-boat-parade--listing-8bee521e607e56ba78e93dbe) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM · Riverfront Plaza · All ages · Free · checked Oct 24. One evening that bundles downtown Jacksonville's big holiday traditions. Holiday River Fest opens at Riverfront Plaza at 5 pm with hot cocoa, festive treats, food trucks and…
- [Jacksonville Beach Holiday Tree Lighting & Oceanfront Sleigh Celebration](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/jacksonville-beach-holiday-tree-lighting-and-oceanfront-sleigh-celebra--listing-bc3826948f1d2d13e41140f2) — Sat, Nov 28 · 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM · Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Ringing in the holiday season along the Atlantic coast, the Jacksonville Beach Holiday Tree Lighting gathers thousands of beach families at the Seawalk Pavilion. The oceanfront…
- [Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings, and Trees](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/lighthouse-illuminations-tides-tidings-and-trees--listing-0d5fd1543bc28eae4e0b3876) — Fri, Nov 20 (+6 more dates) · St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum · Paid · checked Oct 27. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum runs an evening holiday walk of the lighthouse and grounds, separate from daytime general admission. The ticket list describes more…
- [Surf Illumination — St. Augustine Beach Pier](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/surf-illumination-st-augustine-beach-pier--listing-104bee9e586cd7e5620c2aa5) — Sun, Nov 22 · 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM · St. Johns County Ocean Pier, St. Augustine Beach · Free · checked Oct 27. St. Augustine Beach lights its beachfront for the holiday season with a ceremonial lighting at St. Johns Pier Park on A1A Beach Boulevard. The free event runs 3:30 to 7 p.m. on…

## More for families

- [Things to do with kids at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/venues/jacksonville-zoo-and-gardens) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/venues/jacksonville-zoo-and-gardens.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Duval County, FL](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/counties/duval-county-fl) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/counties/duval-county-fl.md)
- [Christmas lights and holiday events for kids in Jacksonville](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/christmas) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/christmas.md)
- [Thanksgiving break with kids in Jacksonville](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/thanksgiving) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/thanksgiving.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Jacksonville — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/events/2026-11.md)
- [This weekend in Jacksonville](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/this-weekend.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Jacksonville](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville.md)
