Akron Zoo's Wild Lights celebration: Everything you need to know

Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
Guests pose for a photo at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.
Guests pose for a photo at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.

The Akron Zoo's Wild Lights are back for the holiday season.

The zoo will be open on select evenings and will be decked out for the holidays. The grounds are decorated with more than 1 million lights along with animated displays and a synchronized light show.

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Santa will be there, too, to greet guests during Wild Lights.

There will also be performances by area high school choirs along with costume characters and ice carvers.

When is the Akron Zoo's Wild Lights?

The zoo's Wild Lights will be held on select nights this year. The hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-23 and 26-30. The event is sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital.

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Santa poses for pictures with guests at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.
Santa poses for pictures with guests at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.

Ticket information for the Akron Zoo's Wild Lights

Discounted tickets for the zoo's Wild Lights can be purchased ahead of time at akronzoo.org/wild-lights. Tickets purchased in advance cost $15 for adults, $11 for children and $3 for the parking and shuttle fee. This year, tickets are available at the gate. They are $18 for adults, $14 for children and a $5 for parking and shuttle fee. Children ages 2 and under are free.

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Guests check out the lion at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.
Guests check out the lion at a previous Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo.

Akron Zoo's Wild Lights special tours

The zoo is offering Wild Lights Safari Tours where up to five people can take a 45-minute tour of the event on a golf cart. The price includes admission tickets, complimentary light-up necklaces and a s’mores kit. The cost is $275.

There is also a special Santa Express tour available that includes private time with Santa Claus, hot chocolate and a gift from the jolly ol' elf. The cost for this tour is $325.

Information and reservations for the special tours can be found at akronzoo.org/wild-lights-safari-tours.

Is the Akron Zoo open during the day?

The Akron Zoo is now operating under its winter hours, open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Winter admission is $9. Parking is $5.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zoo Lights: Everything you need to know about Wild celebration