Wild Lights 2023 - Enchanting Extras

Merriment and More

Enjoy these festive extras — and don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram using #WildLightsMKEZoo.

• New this year! A 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree on display in the front entrance mall! This special Pixel Pine is a very merry musical tree adorned with Wild Lights animals.
• Also new, we’re bursting with excitement to feature a colossal 12-foot LiteZilla Light Wall! It’s not an ordinary canvas, but rather, a massive, glowing masterpiece just waiting for your creative spark. Grab a handful of colorful acrylic LitePins and let your imagination run wild to create pictures, patterns, and designs (maybe even a favorite Zoo animal!) on the enormous backlit panel. LiteZilla will rekindle the joy of bringing ideas to life — in vibrant, glowing color!
• Meet Jolly ‘ole St. Nick himself and receive a FREE gift when Santa visits Wild Lights: Dec. 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, and 23.
• Get into the holiday spirit with live entertainment in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
• Festive food and drinks are available for purchase.
• North Shore Bank Safari Train (operates until 8:15 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Enjoy a crisp, winter woodland ride.
• Penzeys Carousel (operates until 8:30 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Ride atop your favorite animal on this old-fashioned fan favorite.
• Sky Safari (operates until 8:15 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Experience Wild Lights from above!
• Please note that stroller rental units should be returned by 9 p.m.
• To accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities, a special Wild Lights Guide will be available to join in this sparkly event.
• Wild Lights for Wildlife: Drop off working and non-working lights for recycling to help wildlife! Recycling lights keeps them out of landfills — less space for landfills means more space for wildlife! Proceeds support Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Fund.
• Wild Connections Tours — To make your sparkly night an even more memorable experience, “Go Wild” with an up-close encounter to meet a Humboldt penguin or reticulated giraffe! These popular tours are offered for a fee, and advance registration is required.
  • Penguin Pool Party tours offered: Dec. 27, 29, and 31 SOLD OUT
  • Giraffe Jamboree tours offered: Dec. 26, 28, and 30 SOLD OUT