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WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo –

What You Need To Know Before Visiting!

(This review/photos are from a visit a few years ago, but all information is updated for 2024 to 2025 season}

Have you heard of the Christmas event coming back to the Woodland Park Zoo this year? It is the WildLanterns event, and we were able to preview it last night, to get some insights to share with those of you interested in attending. It opens tonight for everyone, and I love that it is an evening light display event – but different from so many of the Christmas light events we have seen in the past. This is a fun new take on animals and lights, and it makes for some beautiful displays. Plus, just walking in the zoo at night is a cool experience all on its own. If you are thinking of attending this year, here are some things you will need to know.

Wild Lanterns will be happening from November 15th to January 19th this year.

What to Expect at WildLanterns

Make sure to dress warm. The event will run rain or shine, so you will want to be prepared to enjoy the evening once you have booked your tickets. It was windy (and a light rain) during our visit, but we still enjoyed it. Many of the pathways have some tree covering, so it is not all out in the open.

Is is set up with a few main themed areas, including:

Northwest exhibit – with animals you would expect to see throughout the Northwest, including a giant bear and his cubs that is a standout!

Jungle Lights – where you can find the animals of the jungle like snow leapords (one of my favorites), Gorillas and Tigers and more!

SeaMazium exhibit – this is your under the sea lanterns, with whales, a GIANT Octopus and much more.

and the African Savanna with towering giraffes, brighly lit zebras, hippos, elephants and much more.

In addition to these main themed areas, there are also a few interactive areas for kids to play.

Interactive Exhibits for Kids – 

There are a couple of spots where the kids can play, and get up and close to the displays. These spots are designated as the T-Mobile Interactive Areas on the map here. Kids (and adults) can dance on a musical piano board, or jump on lights that change color, take selfies with huge wings, run through bubbles under a giant mushroom and more.

My kids enjoyed a quick dance party break during our visit – a highlight for them!

And tried to catch the changing colored stars under this tree (almost like a video game)!

Will I see Live Animals Too?

Most of the animal exhibits and paths are closed off for the WildLanterns event, so I would not expect to see many of the zoo animals. We did run into a few bird exhibits, but we visited during a preview event, so it is possible that even those will be closed off.

If you were hoping to head to the zoo for the day, and then take in the WildLanterns at night, that won’t work out either. This is a special event, so not only does it require the special event ticket purchase, but the zoo will be closing at 3 pm and the event does not open until 4 pm, so you will be required to leave the zoo during that time while they prepare for the WildLanterns event and get lights turned on, etc.

Hours & Dates of Event:

Wild Lanterns runs from November 15th through January 19th this year.

WildLanterns will be closed on Mondays (except for three select Mondays, check their calendar for details). WildLanterns will be open on New Year’s Day. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Beginning in January 2025, WildLanterns will change to a Thursday – Sunday weekly opening and will be closed Mondays through Wednesdays.

The hours for open days are from 4:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now, and you can reserve them here.

Pathways are well-lit for the most part. We did the entire event with no additional lighting, and there was plenty of space for strollers or wheelchairs too.

Facilities are open but will be limited. You will be able to find areas to use the restrooms, and there were also areas where we found hand sanitizers set up, so all of that should be available during your visit. The carousel is also open!

How Much Does WildLanterns Cost?

General Ticket Admission Prices for the 2024 -2025 season:

• Adult: start at $31.45 depending on dates visited
• Child: start at $27.45 (3 to 12 years old) depending on dates visited
• Toddlers ages 2 and under are free

Reserve your WildLanterns Tickets online here now!

Parking at the Zoo

Parking is $7 per car (and parking discounts do not apply to special events) in any of the zoo parking lots.

Entry to the event is at the South & West Entrances – you’ll find parking lots near both entrances.

You could find street parking nearby for free, but I am not sure that is worth it, walking in the dark (it would be a bit of a walk too).

WildLanterns Discounts Available

• This is a fundraiser, so there are not many of the usual discounts available for this event. Season pass holders can get 20% off.
• Buy before September 30th to get an extra 10% off the tickets.
• There is also a Senior night on November 19th and December 3rd this year, which will give entrance to seniors (65+) from 4-9 pm 40% off the ticket price!

Where to Eat

There are a few spots on site, where you will be able to get a bite to eat.

These include:

• A pizza trailer on the North Meadow
• The Gather and Graze where covered seating will be provided
• Food kiosks will also be dispersed throughout the pathways

The inside of the Rain Forest Food Pavilion will be closed.

Also, you can bring in your own food and drink if you prefer, and eat in designated eating areas.

Or if you prefer to eat before or after the event at a nearby restaurant, you can show your ticket or zoo membership card and get a 10% discount at these spots:

• Ada’s
• Modern Japanese Cuisine
• The Park Public House
• The Whit’s End
• Windy City Pie and Zeeks Pizza

Now that you know what to expect, it is time to grab those tickets and plan a special night of family memory-making this holiday season.

Where to Stay

If you’d prefer to stay up in Seattle (if you live further away from the city), here are a few options nearby::

• Staybridge Suites – this is the closest location to Woodland Park Zoo if you prefer convenience for location.  It’s located on Aurora Ave north of Lake Union. It gets good reviews & it has an indoor pool, which the kids will love.   A suite hotel would give you more room with the kids & more options for bringing some of your own food, too.
• Hyatt Regency Seattle – For a hotel more central downtown to other Christmas activities, the Hyatt Regency is a great option. It’s only 15 min or less to Woodland Park Zoo. We love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms –  gorgeous views of the downtown area & very walkable around the downtown area! Check out our review here!
• Residence Inn by Marriott at Lake Union – we love this location it’s close to Lake Union (just across the street) & a bit out of the main downtown area so it’s not quite as busy. All of the accommodations are suites &  family-friendly with separate living quarters for kids/parents & full hot breakfast buffet included.  There’s also an indoor pool as well.

Reserve your WildLanterns Tickets online here, now!