Zoo Lights

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courtesy Henry Vilas Zoo.

A bear statute in front of a colorful light display.

A Zoo Lights display.

One of the Madison area’s most elaborate displays of holiday lights can be found at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Keep the holiday spirit high for a few more days, with Zoo Lights happening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 28-30. Unlimited carousel rides are included with admission, and your ticket purchase helps fund the nonprofit zoo (which does not usually charge admission). Note: tickets for timed entry are only available online at henryvilaszoo.doubleknot.com.

media release: Experience the Zoo after hours under the glow of almost one million lights! All tickets include unlimited carousel rides. Santa will be available for pictures every night until December 23rd. Adult beverages are available for purchase with proof of ID.

This is a TIMED-TICKET event! Tickets are required to enter. There are no ticket sales at the gate this year!

November 24 – December 30 Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Entrance times from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Gates close at 9pm.

2023 BONUS DATES: December 18 – December 30. CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY

General Admission Tickets $10. Children 3 and under FREE. Buy a 4-Pack of General Admission Tickets for $35!

Parking: Our parking lot fills up quickly! Please consider carpooling if you are able. We have two gates. There is usually more parking available for guests entering through our South gate located directly across the street from Vilas Park Beach. (1202 Vilas Park Drive)

Santa: Santa is available for photos every night leading up to Christmas. You will need to bring your own camera or cell phone for photos.

Adult Beverages: Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at various bar huts throughout the Zoo. All guests will have to show valid ID to purchase alcohol.

Carousel: Your Zoo Lights ticket includes UNLIMITED carousel rides! (Don’t worry, we added a bar hut right next to the carousel this year!)