(Milwaukee, WI): The Milwaukee County Zoo is once again set to light up the holiday season with its much-anticipated event, Wild Lights 2025. The spectacle promises to be a dazzling celebration of the festive spirit, and an experience that promises fun for the entire family. From November 21, 2025, through December 31, 2025, the Zoo will transform into a magical wonderland of lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Dates & Times
- Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31; except closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25
- 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.)
Drive-Thru Dates
Enjoy Wild Lights from the comfort of your car! Drive Thru dates: Dec. 7, 14, 21.
The Drive Thru experience travels on a 1-mile route (for approximately 30 minutes), along Zoo pathways near the illuminated themed areas. Food and beverages are available for purchase as well. Timed entry is every 30 minutes; the last car admittance is at 8:30 p.m. Advance, online tickets for the Drive Thru are required, and animals are not viewable during these Drive Thru nights.
Ticket Information
Online Admission**
Adult: $18
Child (3-12): $16
Child (2 and under): FREE
General Admission at the Gate**
Adult: $20
Child (3-12): $18
Child (2 and under): FREE
**Zoological Society members receive 20% discount online and at the gate with code holiday and membership ID. Discount must be applied at the time of purchase.
Wild Lights Wednesdays (Dec. 3, 10 only)
Your Wednesday just got wilder! Come see the season’s wildest light show on select Wednesday nights for just $12!
Cheers! Wild Lights (December 11)
Guests 21+ will enjoy a unique experience with a variety of entertainment, live ice carving demos, an outdoor watch party of the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,special spirits, and festive food for purchase.
Wild Lights Zoo Year’s Eve (December 31)
Start a NEW tradition for New Year’s Eve with the Zoo’s Wild Lights special event!
Whether it’s date night with your special someone or a group outing with the family, Wild Lights offers a unique and glittery experience for all! It’s the most wonderful time of the year to stroll along a 1-mile path glowing with animal-themed light displays and hundreds of thousands of shimmering lights. Wild Lights Zoo Year’s Eve is sure to become part of your festivities to ring in the New Year for years to come!
Group Rates
For groups of 20 or more – Call the Group Sales Department at 414-256-5430.
An Enchanting Night Out with Spectacular Light Displays
Wild Lights has become a beloved tradition, and this year’s event promises to be even more enchanting. The entire zoo will be aglow with over 300,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking, immersive experience. Visitors of all ages will be transported into a world of dazzling color and holiday magic. Beyond the spectacular light displays, Wild Lights offers a lineup of delightful entertainment. Carolers singing your favorite holiday tunes, warm fires for toasting marshmallows, and a holiday-themed train ride are just some of the experiences that await you.
Polar Point Illuminated by Pepsi Zero Sugar: Step into a dream world as your WILD night of LIGHTS begins. This is the perfect place to kick off your adventure—where holiday spirit and imagination shine bright.
Flamingle All the Way: Like birds of a feather, flock together with family and friends down Flamingo Way. Walk among a flamboyance of lit flamingos and bask in their vibrant pink glow.
Jungle Bells: Swing into the festive season as you wander through Jungle Bells. Inspired by apes and primates, this area captures the energy and excitement of these agile animals as if they’re swinging above you.
FantaSEA Illuminated by Festival Foods: Dive into a glowing underwater world filled with shimmering sea creatures. FantaSEA brings the ocean to life in a breathtaking display that will make you feel like you’re walking through a coral dreamscape.
aROARa: Experience the beauty of the northern lights with aROARa, where waves of color dance above you like the aurora borealis. It’s a stunning reminder of nature’s artistry and wonder.
Winter Woodland: Take a peaceful stroll through the Winter Woodland, surrounded by the magic of the evergreens and the quiet beauty of the northern woods.
ROARchestration Illuminated by Prairie Farms Dairy: This kaleidoscopic landscape celebrates the beauty of nature and the creatures we share it with. Be sure to catch the light show every 10 minutes, a breathtaking performance of color and motion.
Swans-a-Swimming: Float through a tranquil winter waterscape where glowing swans glide gracefully across a sea of twinkling lights.
Starry Safari: As the stars rise, set out on a Starry Safari and celebrate the zoo’s amazing animals. This section brings together the wild spirit of the zoo and the magic of the night sky.
ButterFLIGHT: As evening settles, follow the glow of ButterFLIGHT, where butterflies and fireflies sparkle in the darkness and guide your way through the final stretch of your journey.
Vibrance: End your adventure surrounded by a ribbon of color and light. Vibrance invites you to dream your own vision in this immersive, awe-inspiring finale.
Wild Lights is an outdoor experience, so grab your scarf and mittens and enjoy the winter and (hopefully) snow globe conditions!
