Racine Zoo Jack-O’-Lantern Nights 2025: Dates, Times, Details

The leaves are turning, the nights are cooler, and pumpkins are glowing. Racine Zoo is once again lighting up autumn with its 4th annual Jack-O’-Lantern Nights, running Thursday, October 2 through Friday, October 31, 2025.

This family-favorite tradition transforms the Zoo into a glowing Halloween wonderland, blending artistry, seasonal charm, and just the right amount of spookiness. If you’ve gone before, expect surprises: this year brings a fresh new look thanks to the pumpkin experts at Jack-O’-Lantern Journey and the lighting pros at Traditions Holiday Lighting and Seasonal Décor.

What to Expect

Stroll a dedicated paved pathway through the crisp fall air, surrounded by:

• Immersive lighting displays in seasonal hues.

• Dozens of pumpkin displays carved and arranged into creative scenes.

• Farm-style fun with tractors, hay bales, and plenty of photo-ops.

• Spooky accents to keep the Halloween mood alive without being too scary for little ones.

The event first debuted in 2022 and quickly gained recognition, even earning a 2023 Wisconsin Governor’s Tourism Award nomination for innovation. This year’s updates are designed to make the walk even more magical and Zoo-specific.

Event Details

Dates: Thursday, October 2 – Friday, October 31, 2025
Days: Thursdays – Sundays
Hours: 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.)

Admission:

• $10 per person

• Free for kids 2 and under

• Tickets available at the door only (cash or credit accepted)

• Non-refundable; no member discounts

💡 Important: Only buy tickets directly at the Racine Zoo. Outside resellers are scams.

• Jack-O’-Lantern Nights is a separate nighttime event and does not include daytime zoo admission.

• All proceeds support the animals and programs of the Racine Zoo.

• Dress for the weather—it’s all outdoors, and Wisconsin autumn evenings can be brisk.

• Bring your camera! The lighted pumpkins and hay bale photo-ops are made for memory-making.

About the Creators

• Jack-O’-Lantern Journey: National leaders in immersive pumpkin artistry, famous for their hand-carved lanterns and multi-pumpkin 3D creations.

• Traditions Holiday Lighting & Seasonal Décor: Wisconsin-based experts bringing festive sparkle from Green Bay to Lake Geneva since 2011.

Why Families Love It

Racine Zoo’s Jack-O’-Lantern Nights is more than just a walk—it’s a seasonal tradition. Families get a safe, stroller-friendly way to celebrate Halloween while supporting a beloved local Zoo. Whether you’re starting the season in early October or saving it for Halloween weekend, this glowing trail of pumpkins and lights will leave kids and parents alike enchanted.