Milwaukee County Zoo Wild Lights 2025: A Family Guide

Transform your December evenings into magical memories at Milwaukee County Zoo's Wild Lights! This year's display promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights creating an enchanted winter wonderland that will captivate visitors of all ages.

🗓️ Essential Event Details

When: Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31; except closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25
Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Important: Admission gates close at 8:15 PM
Location: Milwaukee County Zoo

Ticket Pricing & Savings

Online Tickets (Save Money!)

• Adult: $18

• Child (3-12): $16

• Child (2 and under): FREE

• Bonus: ALL online tickets include FREE parking (a $15 value!)

Gate Admission

• Adult: $20

• Child (3-12): $18

• Child (2 and under): FREE

🚗 Drive Thru Option

Prefer to stay cozy in your car? Wild Lights offers special Drive Thru dates!

Drive Thru Dates: Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 14, 21

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (last car admittance at 8:30 PM)

Price: $40 per carload (advance online tickets only)

Member Discount: 20% off with code "bright" and membership ID

The Drive Thru experience:

• 1-mile route taking approximately 30 minutes

• Enjoy illuminated displays from the comfort of your vehicle

• Timed entry every 30 minutes

• Food and beverages available for purchase

• Note: Animals are not viewable during Drive Thru nights

• Advance online tickets required

🎟️ Member Discounts

Zoological Society members save 20% on all tickets! Use code "bright" with your membership ID at purchase.

Wild Lights Wednesdays

Experience the light show for a discount on select Wednesdays, December 3 and 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (gates close at 8:15 p.m.). Presented by We Energies Foundation, admission is only $12 per person and includes parking—a $15 value.

Ticket prices are:

• Adults: $12

• Children (3-12): $12

• Children 2 and under: FREE

Tickets are available online or at the gate, but note Zoo Pass discounts do not apply for this special event. Make your Wednesday night a dazzling family adventure!

✨ What to Expect

This year's Wild Lights experience features:

• Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights throughout the zoo

• Illuminated pathways guiding you through the winter wonderland

• Specially decorated forested areas creating magical photo opportunities

• Enhanced displays that are bigger and brighter than previous years

• Family-friendly atmosphere perfect for creating holiday memories

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Planning Tips

Before You Go

• Buy tickets online to save $2 per person and secure your free parking

• Dress warmly - December evenings in Milwaukee can be quite cold

• Bring layers for comfort as you walk through outdoor displays

• Charge your phone for all those magical photo opportunities

• Check the weather and plan accordingly

What to Bring

• Warm clothing (hats, gloves, winter coats)

• Comfortable walking shoes with good traction

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Hand warmers for extra comfort

• Stroller if you have young children (paths are stroller-friendly)

Timing Your Visit

• Arrive early (right at 5:30 PM) for the best experience

• Weeknight visits tend to be less crowded than weekends

• Allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy all the displays

• Remember gates close at 8:15 PM - plan accordingly

📸 Photo Opportunities

Wild Lights offers countless Instagram-worthy moments:

• Illuminated animal habitats with stunning backdrops

• Twinkling forest pathways perfect for family portraits

• Decorative light displays throughout the zoo

• Magical winter scenes that capture the holiday spirit

🚗 Parking & Arrival

• Free parking included with all online ticket purchases

• Paid parking available for gate admission tickets

• Arrive early to secure convenient parking spots

Making the Most of Your Visit

For Photography Enthusiasts

• Visit during blue hour (right after gates open) for the best lighting

• Bring a tripod for sharper low-light photos

• Experiment with different angles of the light displays

• Capture both wide shots and close-up details

Weather Contingency

• Wild Lights typically operates rain or shine

• Check zoo website for any weather-related closures

• Dress appropriately for winter conditions

Accessibility

• Paved pathways are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers

• Rest areas available throughout the route

• Contact the zoo for specific accessibility questions

Additional Information

For the most up-to-date information about Wild Lights 2025:

• Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo website

• Follow their social media channels

• Call ahead for specific questions about your visit

🎄 Make It a Holiday Tradition

Wild Lights at Milwaukee County Zoo offers families a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you're locals looking for a new tradition or visitors exploring Milwaukee's winter attractions, this illuminated experience promises to create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.

Pro Tip: Consider making Wild Lights an annual family tradition - many families return year after year to see how the displays evolve and to create new memories together.

Looking for more special events at the zoo? We have you covered:

• Milwaukee Zoo a la Carte Family Guide

• Milwaukee County Zoo Boo at the Zoo