What you should know about the 2023 Milwaukee County Zoo's Wild Lights holiday display

For the third year in a row, the Milwaukee County Zoo is inviting visitors to walk through the zoo on December nights for its holiday event, Wild Lights.

There are thousands of holiday lights throughout the zoo, spread out across nine lights displays, themed around different animals and habitats, such as Jungle Bells, featuring light sculptures of apes and primates; FantaSEA, set up to look like an underwater environment; and a ROARchestration light show that replays every 10 minutes.

What's new this year at Wild Lights?

There are two big additions to the zoo's Wild Lights event this year. The first is perfect for kids — as well as their parents, especially if they're '70s or '80s kids who remember playing with Lite-Brite. A 12-foot LiteZilla light wall has been set up near the zoo's Lake Evinrude, where visitors can arrange different-colored pegs to create pictures, patterns and words.

The other new addition is near the entrance to the zoo, where a 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree displays animated animal patterns choreographed to music.

Can you see the animals during Wild Lights?

A few animal buildings are open during each night of Wild Lights, providing the opportunity to see animals and to get warm as you walk through the zoo. (The gift shop, restaurant and gathering place — filled with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local youth groups — are also open for people who want to take a break from the cold.)

The following buildings will be open from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. on these dates.

• Aquatic & Reptile Center: Dec. 9, 16, 23, 29 and 30
• Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country: Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16 and 22
• Elephant Care Center: Dec. 8, 15, 22, 23, 29 and 30

Is there a drive-through option for the lights at the zoo?

The zoo alternates nights for walking and nights for driving. For those who would prefer to stay in the warmth of their car (and get the rare chance to drive through the zoo), the following nights are open for drive-through tickets: Dec. 10, 17, 18 and 19.

It typically takes 30 minutes to drive the one-mile route. People are allowed to get out of their cars in designated areas to buy concessions and merchandise, but animals are not viewable during the drive-through.

What can you do at Wild Lights other than see the lights?

Concession stands will be open throughout the zoo with typical food for sale such as hamburgers, hot dogs and hot pretzels as well as some more seasonal options, including hot chocolate, Reindeer Chow (traditional Puppy Chow with M&Ms added), mulled wine and white chocolate peppermint mocha.

There is live entertainment, and the zoo train and carousel will be open when the weather allows.

Kids can visit Santa and get free photos with him on Dec. 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

There are fire pits and ice sculptures throughout the zoo, including playable Tic-Tac-Toe boards made from ice.

When is Wild Lights?

Regular remaining Wild Lights nights are Dec. 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

Cheers! Wild Lights nights are Dec. 7 and 14 for people 21 and older.

Drive-through Wild Lights nights are Dec. 10, 17, 18 and 19.

Wild Lights hours are 5:30 -9:00 p.m. with admission gates closing at 8:15 p.m.

How much does Wild Lights cost?

Online admission is $18 for adults, $16 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger.

Admission at the gate is $20 for adults, $18 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and younger.

On Dec. 13 and 20, admission is $12 for everybody, at the gate and online.

Drive-through tickets are $40 per carload and can only be bought online.

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