When it gets dark at 4 p.m., you might as well lean into it. The best thing about the Big Dark is WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. No plain ol’ strings of light bulbs here. It’s gorgeous custom-made lanterns by Tianyu Arts and Culture. Many of the lanterns are animated with incredible detail. A blinking eye! A slithering tongue! Prepare to be wowed.
The zoo launched WildLanterns in 2020, the brightest spot in that pandemic winter. And every year since, the show has only gotten better and better. It’s become our favorite winter tradition.
Tree kangaroo lanterns light the way toward the Forest Trailhead, a new Woodland Park Zoo exhibit set to open in May 2026. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
We love that WildLanterns is a brand new show every year. As my kids said, it’d be boring to look at the same lanterns year after year. This year, WildLanterns is set to knock it out of the park again, especially with the interactive features. There are just so many, it’s hard to tear your kids away.
Unlike other holiday light shows, WildLanterns isn’t a Christmas-specific event. The lanterns form the shapes of various plants and animals, and the show runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 17, 2027 (well into the new year and a nice way to celebrate). See dates and hours below for evenings when the show is closed.
This massive centipede brings plenty of wow factor. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
What to Expect at WildLanterns 2025
From frozen Antarctica to the rainforests of South America, larger-than-life lantern artistry takes you across seven continents and beneath the ocean’s surface. The walking path is 0.8 miles of flat, paved walkway, with restrooms and stands selling refreshments along the way. It’s the ultimate family-friendly venue. Plan on spending about two hours taking in WildLanterns; there’s a lot to see.
At the ticketing office, you’ll see a flock of owls on the roof. Stop for a photo in the mountain cabin, then enter the zoo’s gate and meet a gigantic moose.
A towering moose lantern welcomes families as they step into WildLanterns, setting the stage for the glowing walk ahead. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
If you turn left and start your stroll on the north loop, you’ll see Mount Rainier surrounded by woodland creatures. Shhhhh, there’s a trio of hibernating animals here too. Further along, you’ll bump into the musk ox and a pair of lovey-dovey swans.
Along the south loop, walk through a moonlit mangrove, past frogs and toads, elephants and sloth bears. Enter the cobra tunnel if you dare. A sea of butterflies and flowers fill the Discovery Loop.
Dare enter the Cobra Tunnel? (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
Interactive WildLanterns Zones Kids Will Love
The highlight of WildLanterns for my kids is always the interactive pieces. Some are stationed along the zoo’s walking loop: the drum tree is at the south entrance and light-up seesaws on the north side. Most, however, are grouped in the interactive zone in the middle of the zoo.
Must-tries:
- Rock on a porch swing, and the luminous butterfly above you flutters its wings.
- Inflatable tube figures (like the ones outside car dealerships, but way cuter) blow up when you scream your head off. They’re voice-activated!
- Play whack-a-mole on a bear’s belly.
A sweet sloth bear lantern carries its cub through WildLanterns. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
WildLanterns with Kids: Tips from Seattle Parents
Seasoned Seattleites know this, but seriously — dress for the weather. Wandering around in cold rain is much less fun when unprepared. The upside is that the rain makes beautiful reflections. On weekends and closer to the holidays, WildLanterns will be dark and crowded. Bring glow sticks or mini-flashlights for the kids. It’s fun for the kids and makes them easier to spot.
The Zoomazium is open 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. during WildLanterns. It’s a nice spot to warm up and take a break. Try the glow-in-the-dark building blocks and stepping stones that change color.
Mount Rainier surrounded by woodland creatures. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
You can buy snacks at the zoo or bring your own food. Warm up in the indoor food pavilion or the Zoomazium.
Sensory-Friendly WildLanterns Nights and Supports
Heads up, there are flashing lights in the interactive zone. There are low-sensory nights on Nov. 15, Dec. 1 and Jan. 10, and you can borrow sensory items from Guest Services and the Zoomazium. Other theme nights include Pop Star Night (Dec. 13) and Seattle Sports Night (Jan. 16).
Striking Steller’s sea eagle lanterns soar overhead. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
WildLanterns Tickets and Discounts
WildLantern tickets are admittedly not cheap, ranging from $35 to $42 depending on the date, but the money goes directly to animal care and conservation projects. The least expensive tickets are on non-peak weekdays. Members receive a 20% discount on full-priced adult or child tickets. Plan to purchase tickets by Sept. 30 and receive 30% off.
Tickets are timed, so arrive promptly. On-site parking is available for $15 (plus taxes and fees) in the Otter and Lion lots. Other lots are $10 (plus taxes and fees) after 3:30 p.m. on days when WildLanterns is scheduled in the evening. We always use street parking.
Note that zoo admission does not include WildLanterns. Zoo visitors can see the lanterns in daylight but will be shooed out before the evening event begins. Zoo members save 20% on WildLanterns tickets. You must be logged into your account for the discount.
Colorful skinks and sailfins add a tropical pop to WildLanterns! (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
The Bottom Line
WildLanterns is a really fun thing to do in the dark as a family. The great thing about it getting dark at 4 p.m. is you can see the lanterns — and be home in time for little kids’ bedtimes.
Have you ever seen a moth look so stunning? (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
Hours & Dates
- Where: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N
- When: Nov. 13 through Jan 17, except: Nov. 16-18, 23, 26, 30; Dec. 7, 14, 24-25; Jan. 4-6, 11-13
- Hours: 4-9 p.m. Last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.
