Wild Lights 2025 at the Milwaukee County Zoo: A Magical Winter Experience ✨
Step into a winter wonderland of wild lights and frosty nights at the Milwaukee County Zoo. As the sun sets, the zoo transforms into a glowing nighttime escape where hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate forest trails and winding pathways. It’s an unforgettable evening beneath the stars, surrounded by dazzling, animal-inspired light displays that bring the holiday spirit to life.
A Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns
Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee County Zoo is once again brightening the holiday season with the return of its much-anticipated winter tradition, Wild Lights 2025. This festive celebration turns the zoo into a magical after-dark destination filled with lights, music, and seasonal cheer, making it perfect for families, couples, friend groups, and even cozy date nights.
Running November 21 through December 31, 2025, Wild Lights invites guests to experience the zoo like never before—after dark and glowing with color. Forested areas and pathways come alive with hundreds of thousands of sparkling, animal-themed LED lights, creating a truly immersive holiday atmosphere.
Dates & Times
Event Dates:
November 21–29; December 3–31
Closed:
Nov. 24–27, 30
Dec. 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 24–25
Hours:
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(Admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.)
Drive-Thru Wild Lights 🚗✨
Prefer to enjoy the magic from the warmth of your car? Wild Lights also offers Drive-Thru nights on:
December 7, 14, and 21
The Drive-Thru experience follows a 1-mile illuminated route lasting approximately 30 minutes, taking you through themed light displays along zoo pathways. Food and beverages are available for purchase, and entry is timed every 30 minutes, with the last vehicle admitted at 8:30 p.m.
👉 Advance online tickets are required, and animals are not viewable during Drive-Thru nights.
Ticket Information 🎟️
Online Admission
- Adult: $18
- Child (3–12): $16
- Child (2 & under): FREE
General Admission at the Gate
- Adult: $20
- Child (3–12): $18
- Child (2 & under): FREE
💡 Zoological Society members receive 20% off online and at the gate with code HOLIDAY and a valid membership ID. Discount must be applied at time of purchase.
Special Event Nights You Won’t Want to Miss 🎄
Wild Lights Wednesdays (December 3 & 10)
Your Wednesday nights just got wilder! Enjoy the full Wild Lights experience for just $12 on select Wednesdays.
Cheers! Wild Lights (December 11)
This 21+ event features live entertainment, ice carving demonstrations, an outdoor screening of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, specialty spirits, and festive food available for purchase.
Wild Lights Zoo Year’s Eve (December 31)
Ring in the New Year with a glowing twist! Start a brand-new tradition by celebrating New Year’s Eve surrounded by lights, color, and holiday magic at the Zoo.
An Enchanting Night Filled with Dazzling Displays ✨
Wild Lights has become a cherished holiday tradition, and this year’s experience is more magical than ever. The entire zoo shimmers with over 300,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland for guests of all ages.
Beyond the lights, enjoy festive entertainment throughout the evening—holiday carolers singing seasonal favorites, cozy fire pits for toasting marshmallows, and a holiday-themed train ride that adds an extra layer of cheer to your visit.
Illuminated Experiences Along the Path 🌟
Polar Point Illuminated by Pepsi Zero Sugar
Kick off your WILD night of LIGHTS in a dreamlike setting where imagination and holiday spirit shine bright.
Flamingle All the Way
Stroll down Flamingo Way with family and friends, surrounded by a flamboyance of glowing flamingos radiating vibrant pink hues.
Jungle Bells
Swing into the season through Jungle Bells, inspired by the playful energy of apes and primates, with twinkling lights that feel alive overhead.
FantaSEA Illuminated by Festival Foods
Dive into a glowing underwater world filled with shimmering sea creatures, transforming the ocean into a luminous coral dreamscape.
aROARa
Marvel as waves of color dance above you like the northern lights, capturing the beauty of the aurora borealis.
Winter Woodland
Slow down and enjoy a peaceful stroll through towering evergreens, where soft lighting reflects the quiet beauty of northern forests.
ROARchestration Illuminated by Prairie Farms Dairy
A vibrant, kaleidoscopic landscape celebrating nature and wildlife—don’t miss the choreographed light show every 10 minutes.
Swans-a-Swimming
Glide through a serene winter waterscape where glowing swans drift gracefully across twinkling lights.
Starry Safari
As the night sky sparkles above, embark on a Starry Safari that honors the zoo’s amazing animals beneath the stars.
Plan Your Visit ❄️
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a festive family outing, or a fun group experience, Wild Lights 2025 offers a one-of-a-kind holiday stroll along a 1-mile illuminated path filled with magic and wonder. Since it’s an outdoor experience, bundle up with scarves and mittens—and if you’re lucky, enjoy snow-globe-worthy winter vibes.
Group Rates
Groups of 20 or more should contact the Group Sales Department at 414-256-5430 for special pricing.