Christmas and Holiday Fun at the Columbus Zoo

As the holidays approach, it's time to start thinking about your annual holiday traditions: shopping for a tree, decorating the house, shopping for gifts, baking cookies…and visiting the zoo. Each year, from mid-November through January first, the Columbus Zoo transforms itself into a colorful winter wonderland. Each day, as evening approaches, the zoo doesn't close its doors. Instead, it lights up the night with a spectacular display of thousands of Christmas lights, strung from one end of the zoo to the other.

For the price of a regular zoo admission ($9 for adults, $5 for kids 2-11, and $7 for seniors), visitors can wander through the zoo and enjoy both the animals and the lights. You'll find surprises around every corner-from the reindeer frolicking by the petting zoo to carolers from local high schools. You can even have a picture taken with Santa, go for a ride on the carousel, or spend some time ice-skating on the rink next to the gift shop.

Be sure to bundle up for your visit to the zoo-because winter nights in Columbus are rarely warm-but you'll also be able to find plenty of ways to warm up during your visit. The indoor exhibits (like the aquarium, home of the manatees, and the Roadhouse, home of the nocturnal animals) remain open. Throughout the park, you'll find crackling campfires, contained in huge barrels. And in addition to the typical popcorn, zoo vendors sell warm pretzels, roasted nuts, and thermal mugs full of hot chocolate, coffee, or wassail.

Wildlights is a must-see for families-but you don't have to have kids in tow to enjoy this magical holiday event. Go with your friends-or take a date. If you want to make the most of your visit, arrive before dusk. That way, you can enjoy the animals before it gets dark-and you can stay to enjoy the lights after the sun sets.

Wildlights is open each night from mid-November (check the zoo's web site for exact date) through January first. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday).