Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
The zoo is lighting up even earlier this year! Wild Lights, presented by the We Energies Foundation, returns with 28 dazzling nights of holiday magic — now with an expanded route, more displays, and fun new themed evenings for families (and even dogs!).
Running on select nights from November 21–23, 28–29 and December 3–31, 2025, Wild Lights transforms the zoo into a glowing mile-long adventure filled with themed zones, rides, photo ops, and festive extras.
Below you’ll find everything busy parents need to plan an easy, memorable night out.
Looking for even more lights?
See our full roundup of the Best Holiday Lights Displays in Milwaukee — packed with drive-throughs, walk-throughs, neighborhood displays, and can’t-miss classics.
2025 Dates & Hours
Event Nights:
Nov. 21–23, 28–29
Dec. 3–7, 10–14, 17–23, 26–31
Closed: Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 24, and 25
Hours: 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Gates close: 8:15 p.m.
(Extended until 9:30 p.m. for Cheers! 21+ Night)
Location: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd.
New for 2025
Opening-Night Drone Show (Nov. 21)
Weather permitting, the season kicks off with a drone light show featuring animal-themed formations inspired by Wild Lights displays.
More Drive-Thru Nights
Families can enjoy the lights from the car on:
Nov. 29, Dec. 7, 14, and 21
The one-mile course takes about 30 minutes. Animals are not viewable during drive-thru evenings.
Cheers! Wild Lights — 21+ Night (Dec. 11)
A special adults-only evening with:
• LED performances
• Holiday Hop Pass beer sampling
• A Home Alone 2 outdoor movie watch party
• Festive food for purchase
Hours: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Dogs After Dark — NEW (Dec. 17)
For the first time ever, dogs are welcome!
Includes:
• Photos ops
• Visit with Santa
• Free dog gift from Racine Danish Kringles
Special ticket required.
Light Zones to Explore (11 Total)
Families can wander through 11 immersive light areas, including longtime favorites and a few new surprises:
- Polar Point (Pepsi Zero Sugar) – A glowing winter dreamscape.
- Flamingle All the Way – A glowing flock of flamingos.
- Jungle Bells – Lights inspired by apes and primates.
- FantaSEA (Festival Foods) – An underwater world of shimmering sea creatures.
- aROARa – Waves of lights resembling the northern lights.
- Winter Woodland – Evergreen-filled pathways.
- ROARchestration (Prairie Farms Dairy) – A kaleidoscopic light show every 10 minutes.
- Swans-a-Swimming – Graceful glowing swans and watery displays.
- Starry Safari (Verizon) – Dreamlike sunrise-to-star-scape scenes.
- ButterFLIGHT – Fireflies and butterflies lighting your way.
- Vibrance – A colorful ribbon of lights blending into one final immersive zone.
Special Attractions
- Tree of Wildlife – A 28-foot animated, musical tree featuring the animals of Wild Lights.
- 12-Foot Light Wall – Kids can design glowing pictures using giant acrylic pegs.
- Fantastic Forest (from Nov. 28) – Youth groups decorate 65 trees throughout the forest path.
Animals You Can See (Select Nights)
Open 5:30–8:45 p.m.; closed on Wednesdays.
- Elephant Care Center: Nov. 22, 29; Dec. 5, 13, 20, 26
- Aquatic & Reptile Center: Nov. 22, 28; Dec. 5, 11–12, 18, 20, 22, 27, 30–31
- Big Cat Country: Nov. 21, 28; Dec. 6, 12, 19, 27
- Primates of the World: Nov. 21, 29; Dec. 6, 13, 19, 26
- Giraffe Barn: Dec. 4, 22–23, 28–29
Rides & Add-On Experiences
Weather permitting:
- North Shore Bank Safari Train
- Penzeys Carousel
- Sky Safari Lift Ride
For an extra-special treat:
- Wild Connections Tours with penguins or giraffes (advance registration required).
Santa Visits (Presented by Racine Danish Kringles)
Meet Santa on:
Dec. 12–13, 17–20, 22–23
Kids receive a small gift.
Live Entertainment
Festive music and performances take place nightly in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
Sensory-Friendly Support
A dedicated Wild Lights Sensory Guide is available to help guests plan a comfortable visit.
Ticket Pricing (2025)
General Admission
(Online prices may vary closer to the event)
- Adults: $18 online / $20 at the gate
- Children (ages 3–12): $16 online / $18 at the gate
- Ages 2 and under: Free
Drive-Thru Nights:
Priced per vehicle (exact pricing typically released closer to the event).
Cheers! 21+ Night:
Special ticket required.
Zoo Pass & Platypus Circle Members:
Receive 20% off online with code holiday + membership ID.
Wild Lights for Wildlife: Holiday Light Recycling
Bring your old holiday lights (working or not).
Bins are located in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
Recycling reduces landfill waste and helps protect wildlife habitat.
Tips for Busy Parents
- Arrive on the early side to find easier parking and avoid congestion, especially on weekends.
- Bundle up — the route is longer this year.
- Strollers are welcome, and paths are paved.
- Bring snacks (or buy treats on-site).
- Check weather updates for rides, drone show, and special event nights.
More Holiday Fun
Looking for even more lights?
See our full roundup of the Best Holiday Lights Displays in Milwaukee — packed with drive-throughs, walk-throughs, neighborhood displays, and can’t-miss classics.
Planning your first zoo visit (or your 20th)?
Our Family Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo has visiting tips, must-do activities, and advice to make the most of your day.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
