Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio
When: November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)
Hours: Evening hours vary by night
Cost: null
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Millions of LED lights take over the Columbus Zoo each winter in one of the region's most beloved holiday traditions, opening with a member preview on November 20 and running through January 4 except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Regular zoo admission applies, members enter free, non-member parking is $10 per car, and the zoo posts select free-admission nights on its website.
Best time to arrive. Sunset in Powell is around 5:08 PM in mid-December, fully dark by about 5:38 PM. A typical December night here bottoms out near 25°F, so dress for standing around outside.
Other displays nearby
There are 2 other displays within 5 miles of this one, and 14 within 15 miles. Most people make a loop of it rather than driving out for a single house.