Please note that some animals settle in early (such as the gorillas, bonobos and polar bears) and will not be available to view after 4 p.m. Others-including the sea lions at Adventure Cove and, of course, the reindeer-will be outside during the festivities.

And, of course, amazing animals! Many animals will be visible from the comfort of heated, indoor shelters including Manatee Coast, Discovery Reef, the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center, Vanishing Giants, the Reptile Building, and Bob & Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building.

Please note that Santa will not be available after December 23 due to other obligations. Please see the “Know Before You Go” section below for more information.

Enjoy the ability to speak with Santa, as well as take part in a safe and fun photo opportunity, while still maintaining social distancing. Santa Experience at Polar Frontier, located in the North America Region at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost.Guests can add a S'mores Experience ticket to any timed entry reservation for Wildlights. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged as space is limited. After roasting, seating is available for guests to assemble their own warm and gooey s'more while taking in our animated light display from the shores of Conservation Lake. S’mores Experience - New for 2020, this socially-distanced activity allows guests to gather around a glowing fire to roast their own giant marshmallow.

Wildlights Rides, including the Polar Bear Express, a train ride through the North America Winter Wonderland Camel Rides, located in the North America region and the 1914 Mangels-Illions Carousel, a historic Central Ohio treasure located near the Columbus Dispatch Charities Grand Pavilion.Animated Light Displays , including “Holiday Rhythms Around the Watering Hole” at Conservation Lake, and “Jingle Ball,” presented by Nationwide, at the Shores Play Park.Sparkling Spruce, presented by Meyers Jewelers, featuring two animated light displays, “Candela: The Evolution of Light” and “Holiday Cheer,” located in Adventure Cove.

Columbus zoo lights