Every year Columbusites enjoy a magnificent lights show and lots of holiday cheer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Known as Wildlights, the lights go up in mid-November and stay on until January. The zoo turns into the most magical of worlds, where kids and adults alike can explore in awe and believe in miracles just a little bit more.

This year, the Wildlights are open November 17th through January 1st, 2018.
Mark Scholl/Flickr
Wildlights activities operate during the following times: Sundays through Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving (November 23), Christmas Eve (December 24), and on Christmas Day (December 25). The cost is the same as regular admission to the zoo.
Even though it's winter, you will still be able to see some animals.
Scott/Flickr
Only a few animals will be outside, but many more can be viewed in their indoor houses. Indoors viewings include Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest), Vanishing Giants (Asia Quest), Discovery Reef (Shores Region), Manatee Coast (Shores Region), Reptile Building (Shores Region), and Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands).
You can also enjoy the Wildlights via a private tour.
Mark Cameron/Flickr
The tour will take you through the zoo in a golf cart as you sip hot chocolate wrapped in a blanket. You'll be able to view the lights and make some stops to visit animals. If you have very young kids or seniors in your family, this might be an excellent way for you all to have a wonderful time. Reservations can be online.
There are also a few special events coming up.
Becker1999/Flickr
You can be a part of Santa Paws, where animals snack on special treats to get into the holiday spirit. This event will be joined by Jack Hanna and will take place on December 9th.
Another fun special event is Dine With Santa.
Carissa Andrea Thrush/Flickr
This is a fun kid-friendly brunch. Kids will get to experience up-close animal encounters and meet the zoo's character ambassadors. They can also meet Santa and get a photo with him!
Wildlights is more than just a light show - there are lots of special treats and things to do.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook
Holiday Rhythms Around the Watering Hole is an animated light show set to music. It takes place at Conservation Lake.
You can also ride the Polar Bear Express.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Located in the North America part of the zoo, this is a fun train ride that will take you through the lights. The Polar Bear Express costs $2.00 per ride.
There are lots of other one-of-a-kind holidays attractions at Wildlights.
Aaron Schaub/Flickr
Check out the latest news and list of attractions via the Adventure Tracker. Book your tickets today and don't miss out on the holiday fun!

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is located at 4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065.

Are you planning a visit to the Wildlights with your family this winter? Let us know about your experience! Don’t forget to share your photos of the dazzling lights on the Only In Columbus Facebook page for a chance to see them featured!

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