Welcome to Zoo Lights Volunteering!
Zoo Lights, taking place on select days in November and December, 5:30-9PM, is everyone's chance to walk the zoo after hours among millions of beautiful lights in a variety of displays. Com join the team as we light up the night and bring holiday magic to our community.
Roles
Details and FAQs
Shift Time: 5PM-9PM*
(*Time may change for specialty nights. See application)
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
Role Summary: Carousel volunteers (Current/returning volunteers, 18+) run the carousel and make the kids' nights! Rides are included in the price of the ticket, so now's your chance to challenge the kids to see who can ride it the most times (the record is 32).
Shift Time: 4:30-9PM
Requirements:
- Must be a current or returning volunteer from 2025
- Must be 18+
- Must know the zoo like the back of your hand and be comfortable walking around in it at night
- This role requires completion of an online training before Zoo Lights begins for the year
Role Summary: Event Lead (Current volunteers, 18+): We couldn't do events without our event leads! Be that first human to welcome our crew of humans helping other humans. Get volunteers started for the night, provide bathroom/warming breaks, assist guests as needed. On busy nights, Event Leads will assist in welcoming guests at the front and back gates of the Zoo. Every night expect to make rounds checking on all volunteers. This role works closely with the HVZ Operations Team.
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent/guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: We light up the Zoo, but our Greeters light up our guests' faces! Greeters make sure guests feel welcome when they get to the gate and know where to go afterwards. Scan entry tickets. Say hello to families in line. Help answer questions and direct guests as necessary.
A lot can go on at the gates, but you'll be well-supported in this role from HVZ staff and our Event Lead volunteers.
Shift Time: 5:15-8PM*
*In-costume time split between team members. Story time are 15-20min long, and take place at: 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15PM.
Requirements:
- Must be a current or returning volunteer from 2025 and/or have previous mascoting or storytelling experience
- Must be 18+
Role Summary: Be the star of the show! Henry the Lion (our mascot; not a real lion) works together with his Handler to read stories to kids throughout the night. Team members will take turns going in costume, reading, guiding families to the storytime area, and helping families get seated.
Shift Time: 5PM-9PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent/guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: This year the big guy in red will be taking up residence in our giraffe house to welcome hundreds of kids and families. Santa's helpers make sure the kids waiting know which doors to enter. They chat with families waiting in line. And they may occasionally help Santa keep track of time throughout the night.
This year we're excited to be hosting Mrs. Claus on select nights as well! She'll also certainly need help while she's out with the kids.
*P.S. You are not required to wear elf ears. But we won't stop you if you do. 🙂
Video by: Melissa Seibert (https://www.meljenfilms.com/)
All Zoo Lights volunteer roles are outdoors. Temperatures during this time of year can range anywhere from the 30's down to negative temperatures. Lights are set up throughout the zoo and close to volunteer locations. Roles require being able to maneuver in an array of dark and light spaces. Christmas music from the local radio station plays throughout the night. Guests can be in the thousands on busy nights. Volunteer shifts run 3.5-4hrs.
*If you are interested in volunteering, but are highly sensitive to light, sound and/or crowds, we suggest volunteering on December 10th. During this time we turn off the radios for our Sensory Friendly night.
- Free general admission tickets for each night of Zoo Lights you work (i.e. work three nights, get three tickets)
- Free HVZ polar bear drawstring bag
- Free hot chocolate during your shift
- Access to the bi-weekly volunteer update - with animal news, volunteer opportunities & more!
- 30% Discount at the HVZ Gift Shop during Zoo Lights
- 40% Discount at the HVZ Glacier Grille during Zoo Lights
- Brew Lights (Friday, November 14th)
A 21+ evening of music, drinks, and after hours fun at Henry Vilas Zoo! Guests enjoy unlimited drink samples from local and regional breweries and wineries while enjoying most of the fun of Zoo Lights. Tickets include carousel rides, a sampling glass and unlimited samples, and additional activities like LED Games and a photobooth. Volunteers must be 21+ to work this event. Volunteers with early shifts have the opportunity to attend the event free of charge once their shift has completed for the evening.
- Dream Lights (Saturday, November 15th)
A night of Zoo Lights magic for those members of our community currently immunocompromised and going through long-term care. This special annual event hosts less than 500 guests, and is an intimate night for those who might not otherwise be able to come on a busy Zoo Lights night. This event is reserved for current HVZ volunteers who have completed their KultureCity training for 2025. - Henry's Holiday PJ Party (Sunday, December 7th)
A family friendly version of Zoo Lights that shifts the Zoo Lights schedule to an earlier time-frame to accommodate our littles. Guests will enjoy Sleepy Storytime with Henry the Lion and child-sized concessions options, in addition to free carousel rides throughout the evening. This night is excellent for those who really enjoy littles! - Sensory Night (Wednesday, December 10th)
This night creates a lower sensory experience for all guests! Guests can enjoy a quiet night of lights with no additional music in the park or in the carousel, deliberately smaller crowds, and specially trained staff and volunteers. This event is reserved for current HVZ volunteers who have completed their KultureCity training for 2025.
We do everything we can to ensure Zoo Lights stays open each night. However, we may call off volunteers should we be facing truly inclement weather (snow/ice storms) or dangerously low temperatures. We will text &/or call no later than 1PM the night of if we are canceling.
That being said, this is an outside opportunity. Volunteers should plan on showing off their slick Wisconsin layering skills and come dressed for functionality over fashion. Shorts, Crocs and hoodies should come with, respectively, thick leggings, thick socks and a winter jacket. We love you, but we're looking at you Gen Z-ers.
Check the role descriptions for specifics.
For New Volunteers:
- If you're between the ages of 12 and 17, then there are some roles that allow you to volunteer with a parent/guardian.
- If you're at least 18 by your first chosen date, you can volunteer on your own
For Current/Returning Volunteers:
- If you're between the ages of 12 and 17, then you will need to volunteer with a parent/guardian
- If you're at least 16, and have completed a weekly, ongoing role OR teen program with us in 2025, then you may volunteer on your own
- Those 18+ may volunteer on their own for most roles
We love that you want to get your group involved!
Zoo Lights is more set up for individuals and pairs. However, you're welcome to check out our group opportunities here closer to January/February, 2026.
"I had so much fun! It was a joy to see the eyes of children when they met Santa. And everyone was so helpful and supportive. I can't wait for next year!"
Jan Anderson - Incredible Zoo Lights Volunteer
