Wildlights 2024 @ The Columbus Zoo

Summary

It's that time of year again when the Columbus Zoo has their annual Wildlights display. Let's walk around the Zoo and check them out.

Admission

For Franklin County residents under 60, admission to the Zoo is $26, with the cost to park being an additional $10, for a total cost of $36.

Membership?

I would encourage you to consider buying a Zoo membership if you don't already have one. A Zoo membership will pay for itself if you go to the Zoo as little as twice in a 12-month period, allowing you free admission and free parking. (An individual membership is $70 for a Franklin County resident.)

If you do decide to buy a membership, you will have to install the Columbus Zoo app on your phone. The membership card is electronic-only, and it is stored on the app. Overall, it's not a bad app. Also, while the Zoo does sell paper maps, the app has a built-in electronic map.

Timing

Wildlights officially starts at 5 p.m. (and runs til 10), but I expect the Zoo to be packed, as this event tends to be very popular. Your GPS may tell you you're going to be at the Zoo at 4:45, but it's going to take you at least another 15 minutes to get inside.

On the plus side, getting (driving) in and out of the Zoo is actually not that difficult, except for all the traffic. It's actually pretty well designed, and the parking lot is gargantuan. I usually park in the red lot, but there's no real time difference between it and the blue lot. (I think the red lot is a little more convenient when Zoombezi Bay is open.)

Where We'll Meet

We will meet at the main fountain, just inside the main gate. The fountain is just to the right (as you enter) of the main gift shop at the Zoo. You'll see a big globe over the fountain.

Other Notes

The Zoo is huge, so be prepared to do a ton of walking.

There will also be food and drink (including alcohol) options available.

Afterword (Optional)

Depending on how much time we spend looking at Christmas lights, if there's interest, we can head over to Nocterra Brewing for a drink. The actual address of the brewery is 41 Depot St, 43065; it's about five minutes from the Zoo. They also have a food truck until 8.