As evening exercise it beats running mindless laps at the gym or stumbling along a dimly lit running trail. But a walk through Ohio’s most spectacular light display offers much more than a Christmas cookie calorie burn!
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo has become an annual Christmas tradition for many of us in central Ohio. It’s a jeweled version of an Ohio winter with acres of glittering trees and walkways rainbowed by glowing lights. Musical light shows and live music, reindeer, a scuba Santa diving amongst tropical fish in a coral reef (as well as a dry one, available for souvenir photos), a 1914 carousel, a Christmas train ride… Wildlights is geared to engage the whole family.
And actually, it can simply be a great evening stroll. Even on a crowded night, it beats tangling with frantic shoppers at the mall.
Wildlights runs through Jan 1, 2012 at the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio. Admission is $14.00. Reduced admission for children (ages 2 - 9) and seniors. Parking is $5.00. Free admission/parking for Columbus Zoo members.
*Purchase and print your tickets on-line to avoid waiting and save $1.00. Even better, buy a season pass. Walking through Wildlights is a lot warmer (and more fun) than standing (and shivering) in long admission lines.
(Photo credit: Columbus Zoo Ornament; Hannah Hartzell)
Information updated for 2011-2012 season from December 6, 2010.
I just love to read your writings….I’ve walked the grounds at the Columbus zoo a time or two to view the lights and it was everything you say. Will you write my life’s story?
That would undoubtedly be a good read, Tony. Can we sell it as a musical? I think dancing Tonys = Tony Award!
Wow, all those pretty lights!! Loved to read your post!
Susanne
Thanks Susanne. I’m looking forward to taking my aunt to Wildlights this weekend!
Nothing like sparkling lights in winter! We have a silimilar event in Chicago called Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. I used to take my daughter when she was little but haven’t been back since. This post has inspired me to go and take pix of the lights and ice sculptures!
Have a Merry Christmas, Heather.
Many thanks, Graham. All the best to you in 2012!