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. You won’t find 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.
We love that WildLanterns is brand new every year. As my kids said, it’d be boring to look at the same repeat lanterns year after year. 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 through Jan. 19, 2025 (well into the new year and a nice way to celebrate 2025).
Lay of the land
The zoo’s walking path is shaped like a giant infinity symbol. There’s a map online if you want to orient yourself. It’s 0.8 miles of flat, paved walkway, with lots of stops for snacks and restrooms on the way. It’s the ultimate family-friendly venue. Plan on spending about two hours taking in WildLanterns—there’s so much to see.
The lanterns reflect the zoo’s residents. By the Pacific Northwest section, there’s a slumbering bear; you can see its belly rise and fall as it snoozes. An enormous Timor python awaits outside the just-renovated Reptile Realm, which is open for nighttime visitors.
You’ll also see animals that are definitely not at the zoo, like the unicorn and Pegasus.
If you start on the north loop, you’ll pass by a forest train. Along the south loop, you’ll walk through an underwater scene filled with bubbles and fish, a path lined with sunflowers and butterflies, and a sea of lotus flowers and koi in the Discovery Loop.
Our favorite installation: a peacock that fans its dramatic tail feathers. (Leave it to my boys to point out that its motor sounds just like a fart.)
Don’t forget to cross to the midpoint for a fun surprise: an animated Cactus Man sponsored by Taco Time. Push a button to awaken the sleeping giant, who looks like a cross between the Hulk and a Transformer. He says weirdly hilarious things, like, “I’m UN-HUGGABLE!”
Interactive elements
The highlight of WildLanterns for my kids is always the interactive pieces. They’re spread out through the zoo grounds this year, which makes them fun to stumble on.
Look for:
- Rafflesia flowers that belch smoke rings
- A drum that sends flashing lights shooting up a tree
- Light-up seesaws back this year.
Tips for 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 carousel and the Zoomazium are both open during WildLanterns.
You can buy snacks at the zoo or bring your own food. Warm up in the indoor food pavilion or the Zoomazium. New this year, private VIP snow globes at The Frosted Glass are available for 90-minute reservations.
Sensory-friendly options
Heads up, some of the lanterns have flashing lights. You can borrow sensory tools, like weighted items and noise-canceling headphones, at the Zoomazium or guest services. The zoo has sensory-friendly nights on November 20, December 11, and January 9.
Cost… and ways to save
- WildLantern tickets are admittedly not cheap. But think of it this way: the money goes directly to animal care and conservation projects. The least expensive tickets are on non-peak weekdays, and those start at $27.45 for kids 3 to 12 and $31.45 for 13 and above. Kids 2 and under are free.
- 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 percent on WildLanterns tickets. You must be logged into your account for the discount. BECU members can use code BECUWILD24 for 10 percent off when buying tickets online.
- The zoo also offers a senior stroll on November 19 and December 3, with 40 percent off admission for those 65 and up.
- Parking in the zoo’s lots costs $7 (plus taxes and fees). However, we always find free street parking in the neighborhood.
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.
Know before you go
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
When: Open now and runs through Jan. 19, 2025. WildLanterns will be closed on Mondays (except for Dec. 16, 23, and 30). WildLanterns will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. WildLanterns will be open on New Year’s Day. Beginning in January, WildLanterns will change to a weekly Thursday – Sunday schedule and will be closed Mondays through Wednesdays.
Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Getting there: If you bought a ticket online, you can enter at either the South entrance (750 N. 50th Street) or the West entrance (5500 Phinney Ave. N). If you need to buy a ticket at the door, use the West entrance.
