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.
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. The zoo’s Forest Trailhead opens next May, and stationed in front are the lantern versions of the animals that will live inside: red pandas and tree kangaroos. Don’t miss the orcas playing soccer in honor of next summer’s World Cup.
This year, WildLanterns also knocked it out of the park 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 through Jan. 18, 2026 (well into the new year and a nice way to celebrate 2026).
This massive centipede brings plenty of wow factor. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
What to Expect at WildLanterns 2025
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 stands selling refreshments 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.
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. Private VIP snow globes are available for 90-minute reservations for an eye-popping $575.
If you want to meet the man in red at WildLanterns, book tickets for November 30, Family Photo Night.
Sensory-Friendly WildLanterns Nights and Supports
Heads up, there are flashing lights in the interactive zone. You can borrow sensory items from Guest Services and the Zoomazium. The zoo offers low-sensory nights on December 2, 2025, and January 8, 2026.
Striking Steller’s sea eagle lanterns soar overhead. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
WildLanterns Tickets, Discounts & Promo Codes
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 $28.45 for kids 3 to 12, and $32.45 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% 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 zoo also offers a senior stroll on Nov. 25, with 40 percent off admission for those 65 and up.
Parking at the zoo is $15 (plus taxes and fees) in the otter and lion lots. All other lots are $10 (plus taxes and fees) during evenings of WildLanterns. We always go for the free street parking in the neighborhood.
Looking for a WildLanterns discount code? While promo codes are limited, members save 20%, and special partner promos may pop up some years — check the zoo’s website and social channels for current deals.
Have you ever seen a moth look so stunning? (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.
Hours & Dates
- Where: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N
- When: Open now and runs nightly through Jan. 18, 2026. WildLanterns will be closed from November 17 to 20, 24, 27; December 1, 8, 15, 24–25; and January 5–7, 12–14.
- 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.
