Top 10 reasons to visit WildLights

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications


Whether it's your first time or a return to an annual tradition, a visit to WildLights presented by KeyBank this year will bring more lights, more animals and more fun to your holidays! You might say there are 575,000 sparkling reasons to come to WildLights, but what other activities can you look forward to during your visit?

Here are the top 10 experiences you can't miss at WildLights this year!

1. See the all new and classic light displays

Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Approximately 575,000 energy-efficient LED lights recreate wild animals and wild places in two and three dimensions along the zoo’s pathways and North Meadow. An animated display of nature’s wonder is woven into the zoo’s famous greenery inspired by exotic destinations from across the globe.

Last year’s favorite displays, Northern Lights, The Water Hole and Jungle Lights, are joined this year by all new displays: Monkey Business, Glow-rillas, Komodo Crossing, Eagle’s Nest and Grizzly Creek. Now you can complete a full loop around the northern end of the zoo and see nearly twice as many lights! Download the event map

2. Have an indoor snowball fight in Snowmazium

Snowball fight! Photo: notprunes/Instagram

Family winter fun! Build a snow creature, create a sustainable craft to take home, hear a snow story—and watch out, a snowball fight can break out at any time!

3. Take a night ride on the carousel

Carousel at night. Photo: Chasitykay/Instagram.

The festively lit carousel is open nightly for WildLights guests ($2 per ride)

SPECIAL OFFER: Get a free carousel ride with voucher from KeyBank
Enjoy a free ride on the zoo’s Historic Carousel at WildLights presented by KeyBank with a free ride voucher available at select KeyBank branches, while supplies last.

Quantities are limited, limit of four (4) carousel coupons per residence. Vouchers available only at select KeyBank branches. Carousel vouchers are good at WildLights only, valid 12/6/13 through 1/4/14.

4. Meet the reindeer

Meet the reindeer. Photo: Cassiesnow/Instagram

Stop by the north end of the zoo to meet two special visitors exclusively for WildLights guests, a pair of reindeer! Look for the reindeer shelter nearby the zoo's Historic Carousel.

5. Shop the Ornament Forest for holiday gifts

Ornament Forest. Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Don't miss out on the most unique gifts you can find for the animal lovers in your pack! Pick up nature-inspired holiday decor and gifts for all ages at the ZooStore and outpost locations. Find more zoo holiday gift ideas.

6. Get your holiday photos taken

Photo: akcurry/Instagram.

Have your holiday photos taken professionally at our festive sleigh set-up (additional fee). More of a DIYer? Take your own holiday selfies with one of our mascots! Either way you go, you're sure to have the most unique holiday photos to share with your loved ones!

7. Visit zoo animals at night

Basket o' meerkat. Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

While the zoo’s animals will be tucked in for the night, the Day Exhibit, a showcase of reptiles and amphibians, will be open, offering another indoor venue for the chilly evenings. The north portion of the Adaptations Building will be open for guests to view meerkats and nocturnal animals such as sloths and Indian flying foxes. Experience WildLights Friday through Sunday and enjoy an evening keeper talk at the Raptor Barn, showcasing the zoo’s many birds of prey.

8. Warm up with a festive snack

Hot chocolate. Photo: Amelia Wells/flickr.

Look for hot chocolate, freshly made, hot fudge puppies, and other delicious treats available for purchase at food kiosks located around grounds and at the Pacific Blue Chowder House.

Covered seating will be available at the Pacific Blue Chowder House for when your hot chocolate needs your undivided attention.

9. Enter the photo contest

2012 photo contest entry. Photo: thefoxtronaut/Instagram.

Capture those bright smiles and twinkling lights for a chance to win big prizes! Enter your photo on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using #wpzwildlights to be automatically entered to win, Nov. 29 - Jan. 5. Get complete details on entry, prizes and rules. 

10. Enjoy the spirit of the season

Carolers at WildLights. Photo: klpm/Instagram.

Listen for the songs of carolers ringing through the zoo each evening and get into the spirit! Whether you are starting up, diving into, or wrapping up your holiday season with a visit to WildLights, you can't help but feel joyful when you're here.

We can't wait to see you at WildLights! Buy your tickets in advance and don't forget to share your photos and experiences with us. Happy holidays, all!