Release Date: November 19,2025
Wild Lights at Akron Zoo to Return for 10th Year
November 18, 2025, AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo is celebrating the 10th year for its holiday lighting event, Wild Lights. The event runs Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 17-23, 26 and 28-30 from 5 – 9 p.m. Dates can sell out, and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
Wild Lights will feature a reimagined look this year. The zoo will be decorated in more than one million lights, with themed areas featuring new and returning displays. Santa will be on-site through Dec. 23, plus the Grinch and friendly elf will be there daily.
Tickets are available at akronzoo.org/wild-lights. Akron Zoo members are $13-20 for adults. Non-members are $17-24 for adults and $13-20 for children. Akron Zoo member children are free, but do require a ticket, Infants (under two) and parking are also free. Wild Lights is presented by Akron Children’s.
Zoothing Wild Lights will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 – 9 p.m. for guests who are looking to experience the event without crowds, loud music or flashing lights. Tickets are separate from general admission Wild Lights tickets and can be purchased at akronzoo.org/zoothing-wild-lights. A limited number of tickets will be available to control crowd sizes.
The Akron Zoo will also offer Wild Lights Safari Tours, exclusive golf cart tours available on all Wild Lights dates through Dec. 23. Tours are at 5, 5:15, 6 or 6:15 p.m. and include a 45-minute staff-led tour, admission to Wild Lights, complimentary light-up necklace and s’mores kit. Prices include up to five people and are $250 for Akron Zoo members and $275 for non-members.
A special Santa Express tour is also available at 4 or 4:15 p.m. This includes all Safari Tour benefits, plus private time with Santa Claus. Prices are $300 for Akron Zoo members and $325 for non-members.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Off-season hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission rates are $11 – $21. Children under two are free and parking is free. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with more than 2,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.