Wild Winter Lights adds glow with over 1M bulbs

Wild Winter Lights returning to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with more than 1M bulbs

At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo it should start looking a lot like Christmas Nov. 17through Jan. 3.

At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, it should start looking a lot like Christmas Nov. 17. That’s when its Wild Winter Lights returns for a run that concludes Jan. 3.

According to a news release from the zoo, this year’s version will boast more than 1 million individual lights comprising hundreds of lighting displays. Guests also can expect holiday-themed areas, including Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Conservation Trail and Santa’s Workshop.

Guests can experience via driving or walking, the release states.

“Wild Winter Lights promises a memorable holiday experience for everyone this year thanks to the support from our community partner NOPEC,” says Kelly Manderfield, Cleveland Metroparks Chief Marketing Officer, in the release. “This year, we’ve put a greater emphasis on improving access to our special events so guests can experience our festive lighting display on foot or in their vehicle.”

Highlights of this year’s event include walk-through displays, carousel rides, costume characters, model train displays, ice carvers, live music from festive choirs including the Singing Angels and a light show featuring a 50-foot tree, the release states. Guests also can take photos with Santa Claus at his workshop during the walk-through event, as well as during select daytime visits throughout the holiday season.

To allow for social distancing, attendance will be limited, and guests are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance, the release states.

Additionally, the zoo has implemented several safety measures throughout the event, including handwashing stations and frequent sanitation of the grounds. Guests are required to wear facial coverings during their visit, unless they’re under 6 or have an existing condition. Facial coverings are not required for the drivethrough event but are recommended when interacting with Zoo employees.

Wild Winter Lights tickets are limited, and ad

vance online reservations are strongly encouraged. The discounted cost for Zoo members is $18 and $20 for non-members, or a four-pack for $54 for members and $60 for non-members. Children under 2 are admitted for free. Tickets for the drive-through experience is $54 per car for Zoo members and $60 per car for non-members.

Highlights of this year’s event include walk-through displays, carousel rides, costume characters, model train displays, ice carvers, live music...

KYLE LANZER Guests also can take photos with Santa Claus at his workshop during the Wild Winter Lights walkthrough event, as well as during select daytime visits throughout the holiday season.

KYLE LANZER Guests attend last year’s Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

KYLE LANZER Wild Winter Lights is a holiday tradition at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.