Wild Lights - A Wild Experience

Enchanting Extras

Check out these enchanting extras — and don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram using #WildLightsMKEZoo.

Enjoy the 28-foot Tree of Wildlife, a fully animated, musical tree featuring the Wild Lights animals. Located in Polar Point, outside the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.

Let your imagination run wild at the massive Light Wall! Grab acrylic pegs and create your own colorful design. Located on Landmark Landing.

Map of Wild Lights

Animal Buildings
Several of the animal buildings will also be open and welcoming guests on select nights from 5:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
- Aquatic & Reptile Center: November 22, 28, December 5, 11-12, 18, 20, 22, 27, 30-31
- Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country: November 21, 28, December 6, 12, 19, 27
- Elephant Care Center: November 22, 29, December 5, 13, 20, 26
- Giraffe Barn: December 4, 22-23, 28-29
- Primates of the World: November 21, 29, December 6, 13, 19, 26
Live Entertainment

Listen to the sounds of the season with live entertainment in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.

NOVEMBER
21 – Donna Woodall Group
22 – Ellen Winters Duo
28 – Cordes de Lion
29 – Caribbean Eclipse Steel Drum Band

DECEMBER
3 – David Adler Group
4 – Kris & Dani Crow
5 – Ellen Winters
6 – Hey Julie
10 – Donna Woodall Group
12 – Cordes de Lion
13 – David Adler Group
17 – Caribbean Eclipse Steel Drum Band
18 – Ellen Winters Group
19 – Donna Woodall Group
20 – Hey Julie
22 – Kris & Dani Crow
23 – Marcell
26 – Caribbean Eclipse Steel Drum Band
27 – Marcell
28 – Cordes de Lion
29 – David Adler Group
30 – Donna Woodall
31 – Ellen Winters Group
Rides

North Shore Bank Safari Train (operates until 8:15 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Enjoy a crisp, winter woodland ride.
$4 plus tax

Penzeys Carousel (operates until 8:30 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Ride atop your favorite animal on this old-fashioned fan favorite.
$3 plus tax

Sky Safari (operates until 8:15 p.m. — weather-dependent) – Experience Wild Lights from above!
$4 plus tax
Santa presented by Racine Danish Kringles

Meet Jolly ‘ole St. Nick himself and receive a FREE gift when Santa visits Wild Lights on select nights!

December 12-13, 17-20, 22-23 — located in the Conservation Outpost
Selfie Spots

Stop to take and share photos at several selfie spots! Located at Modern Woodmen Otter Passage.
Sensory Sensitivities (KultureCity)

To accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities, a special Wild Lights Guide is available to join in this sparkly event.
Wild Connections Tours

To make your sparkly night an even more memorable experience, “Go Wild” with an up-close animal encounter! These popular tours — Penguin Pool Party and Giraffe Jamboree — are offered for a fee, and online registration is required.

book now
Wild Lights for Wildlife

Help wildlife by recycling your holiday lights at the Zoo this year! Recycling lights keeps them out of landfills and allows materials to be reused — less space for landfills means more space for wildlife! Look for the collection bin in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place through January 11, 2026.
Wild Lights, Wild Finds Scavenger Hunt

Wild Lights just got a little wilder! Discover the magic of the holidays with the Wild Lights, Wild Finds scavenger hunt! As you journey through, you’ll have the chance to answer questions, submit photos, and answer polls. Earn badges for completing challenges at different festive zones across the Zoo to win exciting prizes.

To get started, download the Eventzee app at https://mkezoo.com/ScavengerHunt and create an account. When you’re ready for your wild winter adventure, enter event code mczwildlights. This free scavenger hunt will have you exploring across the Zoo, so be sure to dress for winter weather!