Wild Winter Lights Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the event?
The walk-through event is 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays beginning November 18. The drive-through event will also be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays only beginning November 16. Wild Winter Lights concludes Sunday, January 2.
How much does a ticket cost?
Tickets are limited and advance online reservations are strongly encouraged. The discounted cost for Zoo members is $18 and $20 for non-members ($22 day of), or a 4-pack for $54 for members and $60 ($66 day of) for non-members. Children under 2 are admitted for free.
Can I buy tickets day of at the Zoo Box Office?
Capacity to Wild Winter Lights is limited. Guests are strongly encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office provided the evening has not sold out. The Box Office closes at 9:30 p.m. on walk-through event evenings. Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office provided the evening has not sold out. The Box Office is open from 10 a.m. through 9:30 p.m. on walk-through evenings.
I purchased tickets online, what do I do next?
Online tickets can be printed or they can be directly scanned off your phone. The barcode on the ticket must be downloaded before arrival. The barcode must be able to be scanned; screenshots of the ticket will not be accepted. If tickets are not able to be printed or downloaded, guests must visit the Box Office in the Zoo Ticket Plaza before entering the zoo to have their tickets printed.
What does my ticket include?
Tickets include admission to Wild Winter Lights. This year’s event features hundreds of lighting displays across holiday-themed areas including Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Conservation Trail and Santa’s Workshop. Guests will be able to experience Wild Winter Lights on foot or in their own personal vehicle, depending on which night walk-thru and drive-thru are offered, please refer back to the event schedule. Unlimited access to the Circle of Wildlife Carousel and 4-D Theater are included in the walk-through ticket.
What if I bought a ticket but haven’t gotten it yet?
Guests will receive eTickets within one hour of an online purchase. If they do not, guests should check their Spam/Clutter/Junk folders. Email providers may flag such purchases with pdf attachments as spam by mistake. Guests that still cannot locate their purchase in their email can call the Zoo at 216.635.3391 to have their tickets resent. Guests can also visit the Box Office in the Zoo Ticket Plaza before entering the zoo to have their tickets printed. The Box Office closes at 9:30 p.m. on walk-thru event evenings.
How do Zoo members get their discounted tickets?
Members must log-in on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo website with both their permanent member number and the last name of the primary member or their web credentials (user name and password for the Zoo's ticket site) when they purchase tickets in order for the reduced price to appear in their shopping cart. Members that have recently purchased a new membership or renewed an existing membership will experience a delay when trying to immediately use their membership for discounted purchases.
Are group discounts available for the walk-through dates of the event?
Groups of 20 people or more can contact 216.635.3304 for discounted tickets to the event. Advanced notice is required.
Are masks required for guests?
Guests will not be required to wear facial coverings when visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We strongly recommend that guests who are unvaccinated continue to wear facial coverings in indoor locations and practice social distancing. Guests should not visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.
Will the zip line be open?
Eagle Zip Adventure will be open (weather permitting). Information about the zip line and pricing can be found
here.
What entertainment will be at the event?
Highlights of this year’s event include dazzling walk-through displays, carousel rides, costumed characters, model train displays, ice carvers, live music from festive choirs including the Singing Angels and an all-new dynamic light show featuring a massive 50-foot-tall tree. Guests can also take photos with Santa at his workshop during the walk-through event.
When are the Singing Angels performing?
The Singing Angels will be performing during walk-thru event evenings on November 19, 24, 26, 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30. Performances are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Is there an additional cost to take your photo with Santa?
Guests are welcome to take photos with Santa on their phone or camera at no charge. Photos will also be available for purchase. Facial coverings are mandatory for guests waiting to see Santa.
Does a ticket to Wild Winter Lights also provide entry to regular Zoo hours?
Wild Winter Lights walk-through tickets are only valid from 5:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m. for the special event. Daytime admission to the zoo is a separate ticket.
Are there any discounts for children?
All guests are the same price. Children under 2 are free.
Are Carousel rides available?
Carousel rides are included at no additional charge.
Will I be able to see animals during the event?
Many animals that are cold tolerant and enjoy the cold will have voluntary access to their habitats such as bears, tigers and reindeer.
Will there be trams?
Tram service will not be available during this event.
What other services are available?
Sensory bags, strollers, electric scooters and push wheelchairs are available. To reserve a wheelchair or stroller, please contact our Gift Shop at 216.661.7603 (the Zoo Gift Shop does not have email access). We
highly suggest that guests reserve wheelchairs and electric scooters in advance. Rentals are located in the Welcome Plaza on the right side under the orange awning. Guests must show a valid photo ID.
Electric scooters are not available for rent during inclement weather.
Pricing:
- Push Wheelchair: $12 plus tax ($10 deposit and photo ID required)
- Electric Scooter: $25 plus tax ($25 deposit and photo ID required)
Rental quantities are limited and may not be available without an advance reservation.
What food/concessions will be open?
All Zoo concessions and gift shop opportunities except The RainForest Amazon Café and Gift Shop will be open, weather permitting.
Will there be alcohol at the event?
Yes, alcohol will be available for purchase, including holiday craft beers. Guests are not permitted to bring in their own alcohol.
Are pets allowed into the event?
Pets are not permitted in the Zoo. Service animals covered by ADA regulations are allowed in once they speak with a Zoo staff supervisor before entering the zoo.
Is the event outdoors?
Yes – the majority of the event is outdoors, with some portions indoors.
Will the event occur if it rains or snows?
Yes, this is a rain or shine event. No rainchecks are available.
Who should I contact with general questions about the event or questions about how to buy a ticket online?
Please contact the Guest Resource Center at 216.635.3391.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with my ticket or an issue from an existing purchase?
Please contact the Revenue Office at 216.635.3378.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is always free at the Zoo.
What items are prohibited?
Balloons, recreational scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, sporting balls, roller skates, Heelys shoes, bicycles, pets and grills are prohibited.
WILD WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE-THROUGH FAQS
What are the hours of the event?
This is a timed ticketing event. The earliest entry option into the event is 5:30 p.m. and the last entry timeslot is 9:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning November 16. Be sure to note your scheduled entry time to plan your arrival at the Zoo accordingly. Access is valid for one trip through the event on the purchased event date. Wild Winter Lights concludes Sunday, January 2.
How much does a ticket cost?
For advance sales purchased online, the discounted cost for Zoo members per vehicle is $54 and $60 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office daily from 10 a.m. through one (1) hour prior to the Zoo closing for guests that prefer to buy advance tickets in person instead of online.
Can I get out of my vehicle?
No, guests must stay in their vehicles at all times. If there is an Emergency situation, there will be marked pull-off areas during the tour.
What size vehicle can I use to tour the Zoo?
Vehicle size is limited to 20 feet in length, and 6 ½ feet wide, for example, a Ford F250 truck. Vehicles not within these size guidelines (i.e. limos, buses) will not be able to navigate the route inside the Zoo.
If you have questions on your vehicle size, please call 216-954-3443.
How long is the experience?
Times may vary; the average estimated time is around 60 minutes.
Do you drive through in your own vehicle or do you have shuttles available to rent?
You will drive your own vehicle. There are no shuttles available.
Will there be restrooms available?
There are restrooms available prior to entrance of the Zoo. Restrooms will be unavailable on Zoo grounds.
Can we ride in the back of a truck?
No, all guests must remain inside a vehicle.
Once I exit the Zoo, can I go through again on the same day?
No, unless another available ticket is purchased.
Can I smoke in my car?
No, the Zoo is a tobacco-free campus.
I purchased tickets online, what do I do next?
Online tickets can be printed or they can be directly scanned off your phone. The barcode on the ticket must be downloaded before arrival. The barcode must be able to be scanned; screenshots of the ticket will not be accepted.
What if I bought a ticket but haven’t gotten it yet?
Guests will receive eTickets within one hour of an online purchase. If they do not, guests should check their Spam/Clutter/Junk folders. Email providers may flag such purchases with pdf attachments as spam by mistake. Guests that still cannot locate their purchase in their email can call the Zoo before 4 p.m. at 216.635.3391 to have their tickets resent.
How do Zoo members get their discounted tickets?
Members must log-in on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo website with both their permanent member number and the last name of the primary member when they purchase tickets in order for the reduced price to appear in their shopping cart. Members that have recently purchased a new membership or renewed an existing membership will experience a delay when trying to immediately use their membership for discounted purchases.
What if I miss my time for the drive-thru?
Alert Zoo staff upon arrival and they will provide you entry into the soonest available timeslot.
Who should I contact with general questions about the event or questions about how to buy a ticket online?
Please contact the Guest Resource Center at 216.635.3391.
Who should I contact if I have a problem with my ticket or an issue from an existing purchase?
Please contact the Revenue Office at 216.635.3378.
Can I change my drive-thru timeslot?
Timeslots are scheduled to allow for regulated traffic flow. If you would like to change your timeslot prior to your event date, please call 216.635.3378.
Will the event occur if it rains or snows?
Yes, this is a rain or shine event. No rainchecks are available.
Is my service animal permitted to attend the event with me?
Service animals covered by ADA regulations are allowed in once they speak with a Zoo staff supervisor before entering the Zoo. Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds (including in your vehicle).