WildLights at The Living Desert – Nearly a million twinkling lights, dazzling displays, live music, festive games and activities.
November 26 – Member Night
Tuesday, November 26 is members only evening at WildLights.
November 27, 29, 30
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28
This year WildLights is celebrating 27 years dazzling guests by transforming the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Come to this festive, annual tradition and marvel at more than a million colorful, sparkling holiday lights.
Guests will encounter a herd of life-size, luminescent animal lanterns, including giraffe and cheetahs, explore newly added pathways and stroll through the popular tunnel of lights flashing to holiday music. Animal encounters and keeper chats, carousel rides, and entertainment are offered nightly.
In true WildLights tradition, the festive G-scale model trains with more than 3,300 feet of track will be decked out for the holidays. Delicious food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
WILDLIGHTS FAQS
general event questions:[1]
What can I do at the event?
WildLights is a magical winter wonderland complete with a million twinkling lights, light displays, and holiday fun. It is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family.
Nightly Activities:
Included Experiences (with paid WildLights admission) :
Visits with Santa – Palm Garden
Synchronized Light Zones
New this year! The Dazzling Gift – Savannah’s Landing
Tunnel of Lights -Events Area
Discovery Center
Village WaTuTu
Arts and Crafts – Discovery Center
Live Entertainment – Palm Garden
Movies – Discovery Center
Exploring the Zoo’s lighted pathways and light displays – throughout Africa. The majority of North America will be closed.
Plentiful photo opportunities
Visit with the animals of Africa
Animal encounters and keeper chats
Upgraded Experiences (for an additional fee)
Camel Connection
S’mores Station – adjacent to the carousel
Carousel
Polar Express Train Ride – located in Gecko Gulch, adjacent to the Discovery Center
Enjoy various food and beverage options – The Thorntree Grill and Safari Soft Serve in Village Watutu, The Kookaburra Café, the Churro Stop, Palm Garden Outdoor Grill, Beverage Cart in the Living Legacy Garden, S’mores Station
Click here for the full WildLights schedule and map.[2]
What about Santa?
Guests can meet and take a photo with Santa. Zoo volunteers will be on hand to help facilitate taking your photo.
Santa is available each WildLights evening between 6:00-9:00pm. Santa takes a break from 6:45-7:00pm and 7:45-8:00pm. The last admission into the Santa line is 8:45pm.
Santa will depart for the North Pole on Christmas Day, so he will not be at WildLights on December 26, 27, and 28.
How do I make the most of our WildLights evening?
Purchase tickets in advance, either online here or at the self-service kiosks at the entrance and skip the lines
Plan your route and activities
Arrive before 6pm or after 7:30pm
Dress warmly and for comfort
Are WildLights tours available?
WildLights is a self-guided experience. Group and private tours are not available during WildLights.
Endnotes:
general event questions:: https://www.livingdesert.org/events-and-tours/signature-events/wildlights/#
Click here for the full WildLights schedule and map.: https://www.livingdesert.org/site/assets/files/1093/dps_mapback_wl_2019.jpg