Wild Illuminations Drive-Thru

Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Wild Illuminations is a fabulously frosty reimagination of the Zoo’s treasured Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights. Guests who have marveled at the handmade silk and steel structures will be amazed by an all-new lineup of sights, sounds, and surprises. More than a million twinkling lights will further enhance our biggest and brightest holiday glow-fest ever! Holiday treats and a visit by Santa himself will make this your family’s new must-see holiday tradition.

Colossal Christmas-themed lanterns include snowflakes, trees, candy canes, and a surplus of Santa Claus. A fantastical Secret Forest is a frigid home to unicorns, a griffin, a snow monster, and an unforgettable ice dragon. Lanterns such as a mystical dream tunnel and spectrum of zodiac animals will shine light on Lunar New Year. Be sure to plan a family visit to this can’t-miss seasonal event.

Looking for the main event? Check out the walk-thru Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience!

Vehicle Requirements

You will drive your own vehicle through the Zoo and pay one flat rate to cover all guests in the vehicle.

Vehicle size limited to 20 feet in length, 6 ½ feet in width, and 8 feet high. An estimate for this size is to fit within one standard parking spot, or about the size of a Ford F250 truck. It is recommended for guests to drive their smallest vehicle due to the limited size of the pathways. Utility buses are not permitted.

Guests are prohibited from exiting their vehicle at any time. All tailgates, doors/van doors, and hatchbacks must remain closed at all times.

During the drive-thru, smoking, alcohol, and pets are prohibited in the Zoo (with the exception of service animals).

Arriving at the Zoo

One timed Wild Illuminations event ticket is required for each vehicle. When you buy tickets to the Wild Illuminations Drive-Thru, you will select both a day and time you would like to visit. Tickets have arrival times to help with the flow of traffic.

Please plan to arrive at the main parking lot on the specified day and time on your ticket. You will not be permitted to enter the Zoo before or after your selected day and time.

Guests arriving at the Zoo without Wild Illuminations tickets may buy a ticket on grounds if tickets remain available. No cash sales. Guests are encouraged to purchase a ticket before arriving at the Zoo to guarantee availability.

Tickets must be used on the selected evening and are not transferrable. This is an all-weather, rain or shine event. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for the walk-thru edition.

Only Member discounts listed on this page apply; no additional discounts are available.

Drive-Thru Experience

While times may vary due to traffic and lantern interest, the estimated time to travel through Wild Illuminations is 45-60 minutes.

Podcast will be available to listen to holiday music in your vehicle. Check back here in November for link.

Food will be available at outdoor car-side kiosks for credit card purchases only.

Guests do not exit their vehicles and all buildings and restrooms are closed.

Regional performers are not present at the drive-thru edition, though Santa will greet guests in vehicles.

Animals will not be visible in their public habitat during evening hours. To see all Zoo animals, you may also plan a daytime visit.

Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience

Looking for a walk-thru winter wonderland almost any night of the week? Check out the Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience! Pricing, activity availability, and general details differ for this event. Click to learn more about the walk-thru Wild Illuminations.