Wild Lights is the Akron Zoo’s annual holiday light display in Akron, Ohio, and the 2026 run marks its 10th anniversary season. It runs select nights from November 20 through December 27, 2026, with the zoo open from 5 to 9 p.m. (last entry 8:30 p.m.). The zoo is marketing this year as its biggest yet, with new features added to the existing light displays as part of the milestone celebration.
It suits families with young kids as well as couples looking for a low-key holiday outing, and most visits run one to two hours depending on how long you linger at photo spots. Tickets are sold for specific dates and times through the zoo’s online ticketing system, and buying ahead is cheaper than paying at the gate.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Akron Zoo
- City: Akron
- State: Ohio
- Dates: November 20, 2026 to December 27, 2026 (select nights, including Nov 20-21, 27-28, Dec 4-5, 11-13, 18-23, and 26-27)
- Hours: 5 to 9 p.m., last entry 8:30 p.m.
- Tickets: $20 to $27 adults, $16 to $23 children (2-14), members $16 to $23 adults and free for member children; prices rise closer to each date
- Timed entry: yes
- New for 2026: 10-year anniversary celebration with new features added to the light displays
What’s new for 2026
The Akron Zoo is treating this as a milestone year, calling 2026 the 10th anniversary of Wild Lights and promising it will be brighter and bolder than previous seasons. The zoo has not published a detailed list of brand-new named displays beyond this anniversary framing, so expect the established favorites refreshed and expanded rather than a wholesale redesign.
The lights and displays
Wild Lights fills the zoo’s walking paths with illuminated scenes, including a winter wonderland entrance, the Rockin’ Lighted Spectacular where animated lights move to music, and the Holly Jolly Hillside where trees are synchronized to a holiday soundtrack. Past seasons have also featured appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus on select nights, along with photo-friendly spots scattered throughout the park; check the event calendar for which characters appear on the date you plan to visit.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Tickets use dynamic pricing, so the exact cost depends on how far in advance you buy and which night you choose: adults run from $20 up to $27 and children ages 2 to 14 run from $16 up to $23 as dates fill up. Akron Zoo members pay less, with member adult tickets priced similarly in the $16 to $23 range and member children admitted free. Infants under 2 are free for everyone. There is no parking fee at the Akron Zoo. Buy tickets through akronzoo.org/wild-lights or the zoo’s ticketing portal, and reserve early since both date and arrival time are selected at checkout.
Food, drinks and extras
The zoo offers warm beverages and seasonal treats during Wild Lights, including hot cocoa, with some special add-on experiences bundling complimentary s’mores and cocoa vouchers. Specific concession menus can vary by night, so check the event calendar or zoo website for what is available on the date you choose.
Tips for your visit
Weeknights and early arrivals tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings, so if your schedule allows, aim for a non-weekend date. Plan for one to two hours of walking outdoors in December in Ohio, so dress in warm layers and wear comfortable shoes; the zoo’s paths are stroller accessible. Since tickets are timed and dynamically priced, buy as early as possible for the best rate and to secure your preferred date and time. Check the zoo’s website or social media for any weather-related closures before you head out.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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Wild Lights 2026 at the Akron Zoo FAQs
When is Wild Lights 2026 at the Akron Zoo?
Wild Lights 2026 runs on select nights from November 20 through December 27, 2026, including Nov 20-21, 27-28, Dec 4-5, 11-13, 18-23, and 26-27, from 5 to 9 p.m. with last entry at 8:30 p.m.
How much are Wild Lights tickets in 2026?
Tickets use dynamic pricing: adults run $20 to $27 and children ages 2-14 run $16 to $23 depending on the date and how early you buy. Akron Zoo members pay a reduced adult rate and member children are admitted free; infants under 2 are always free.
Do you need to buy Wild Lights tickets in advance?
Yes, Wild Lights uses timed entry, so you select a specific date and arrival window when you buy. Prices rise as each date gets closer, so purchasing ahead online saves money compared to buying at the gate.
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Photo: Geographer365 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.