Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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My favorite holiday event I’ve attended since moving to the Cleveland metro is the amazing zoo lights festival. I’ve attended a lot of these throughout the country and this one is extra festive. I could tell they spent a lot of time designing the display and putting together a nice theme.
There are more than 1.5 million lights so this is one of the biggest light displays in the city. It’s not cheap, but it is worth it in my opinion. I have been a zoo member for over a year and a half now – it’s easily one of the best attractions in the city. I recommend checking out this festival if your visit falls during December and you are seeking out some holiday cheer.
Asides from beautifully designed light display, you will get to watch a synchronized show, enjoy seasonal treats, and see a model train display. Santa visits and free carousel rides for the kids add to the holiday excitement. A heavy snowfall accompanied our first visit and really added to the magical experience especially just a few days prior to Christmas. This area often sees snow this time of year and it can get pretty cold, so bundle up and enjoy a hot drink during your stroll.
What is included with admission?
There are dozens of holiday, animal, and character themed displays, as well as colorful lighted trees. You will notice different themes across the walking path. 2025 will include a Colorful Forest, a Magical Storybook section with Cinderella displays, and Santa’s North Pole Lodge.
One of the highlights is a high energy synchronized show with music and dancing lights along with a 50 foot tree. Your ticket also includes unlimited carousel rides as well as admission to the adorable Rudolph 4D show. Kids can take their photos with Santa for free in the Wolf Lodge (bring your own camera).
The zipline and railroad will be open but there is an extra fee. The zipline is $9 for non members and $8 for members. The train is $5 per person. Note that the tram service will not be running. Australian adventure and the Primate house are both closed for this event, so just another reason to check out the zoo during the day.
How much does it cost?
For zoo members, admission will vary between $24 and 27 depending on whether you book online or buy tickets at the gate. For non members, pricing will vary between $27 and 30. If you live in the region, I highly recommend a membership as this really is a nice zoo that you can continue to use all winter.
I love walking around a few times a month to get in my workout in a different setting than a typical park. If you are just visiting for a weekend, I also recommend a daytime visit as you will not see many animals at night. Bears and reindeers occasionally make appearances, but don’t expect to see much else.
The Walk Through
There is both a walk through and drive through offered on select nights. I recommend the walk through as it’s so much more fun walking around with a hot cocoa (I recommend the white chocolate) while enjoying the lights. You’ll get in a nice workout too in the process and also get to enjoy activities not included in the drive through (the adorable 4D Rudolph show and the carousel rides).
There are a few drive through dates in November and December. For more information on times and dates, you can visit the zoo website.
Here’s a few pictures from the 2024 display. I will be updating with more as soon as the event opens for this season.
Of course, you will also run into some fun Santa themed displays.
Being a zoo, you can expect a number of festive animal themed displays. Being a cat lover, my favorite was this beautiful lion.
I especially love the Rudolph displays especially Sam the Snowman and this giant Rudolph.
Lots of fun photo opps like this sleigh and gift tag LED display.
Everywhere you look there are gorgeous displays that are so colorful and whimsical. I really loved this simple, yet gorgeous tree and this tunnel of lights. It was freezing cold and snowing, so I didn’t get quite as many pics as I would have liked. Constantly taking my gloves off to take pics was not fun!
Specialty seasonal foods and drinks
You will find a number of stands selling seasonal beverages and snacks such as hot cocoa, Christmas Ales, gourmet popcorn by Kernels by Chrissie, as well as Jack Frost Donuts. You can bring in your own food too (no alcohol).
Additional Details
The zoo is located at: 3900 Wildlife Way.
Parking is free, but fills up fast. Oftentimes, I have to make quite a trek to the entrance which feels like a workout in and of itself. Let’s just say, I usually skip my run/walk on days I go to the zoo!
Please visit the zoo’s website for more info on this event and general info on exhibits and other special events.
More seasonal events in the city
I wasn’t overly impressed by the light displays in this area (honestly the zoo is the best), but I have found a few worth visiting. You can check out my Christmas guide for more details on the best light displays, ice skating rinks, and attractions this time of year. Also, be sure to check out my winter travel guide where I offer some tips on what to do to make this often bleak and dreary time of the year a bit more exciting.
