Skip to main content

ZOO LIGHTS 2023

Zoo Lights Tickets Are Now On Sale!


Experience the Zoo after hours under the glow of almost one million lights! All tickets include unlimited carousel rides. Santa will be available for pictures every night until December 23rd. Adult beverages are available for purchase with proof of ID.

This is a TIMED-TICKET event! Tickets are required to enter. There are no ticket sales at the gate this year!

Zoo Lights Dates

November 24 – December 30 Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Entrance times from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Gates close at 9pm. 

2023 BONUS DATES

December 18 – December 30

CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY

General Admission Tickets $10

Children 3 and under FREE  

Buy a 4-Pack of General Admission Tickets for $35!

There is more parking available in our South parking lot! If you are using GPS to get here and want to enter through our south gate, please use 1202 Vilas Park Drive.


Know Before You Go:

Parking: Our parking lot fills up quickly! Please consider carpooling if you are able. We have two gates. There is usually more parking available for guests entering through our South gate located directly across the street from Vilas Park Beach. (1202 Vilas Park Drive)

Map of the parking lots around Henry Vilas Zoo

Santa: Santa is available for photos every night leading up to Christmas. You will need to bring your own camera or cell phone for photos.

Adult Beverages: Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at various bar huts throughout the Zoo. All guests will have to show valid ID to purchase alcohol.

Carousel: Your Zoo Lights ticket includes UNLIMITED carousel rides! (Don’t worry, we added a bar hut right next to the carousel this year!)


Interested in becoming a 2023 Sponsor?

We have several opportunities for businesses and organizations to partner with us on our most popular event of the year!


Donate Today!

We are proud to be one of only a few admission-free, community-supported zoos across the country. We are dedicated to exceptional animal care and conserving wildlife through local engagement and global partnerships. Please consider an end-of-year gift!