One of our favorite winter activities in Seattle is coming back this November: WildLanterns at the zoo! According to the Woodland Park Zoo website, this season’s WildLanterns will have “all-new, larger-than-ever lantern displays.” We can’t wait to check it out when it opens for the season on Friday, November 14.
Read on for all the details about this winter’s WildLanterns!
If you’ve never been to WildLanterns before, here are some quick facts. The stroll through the illuminated displays typically takes about two hours and is suitable for all ages, although there are a few nights reserved for ages 21+ only (more on that below). While there, you’ll be able to purchase cocktails, snacks, and food; you’re also allowed to bring your own food. WildLanterns also has activities such as a carousel and acrobat shows!
Save the dates for these theme nights:
- Night Owls (21+ only nights): November 22 and December 12, 2025 and January 2, 2026
- Holiday Senior Stroll with 40% off for seniors age 65+: November 25, 2025
- Family Photo Night: November 30, 2025
- Low Sensory Nights: December 2, 2025 and January 8, 2026
- Pop Star Night: December 13, 2025
- Ugly Sweater Night: December 19, 2025
- Onesie Night: January 10, 2026
- Seattle Sports Night: January 17, 2026
Ages 21 and up can experience WildLanterns in an adults-only environment on three nights this season. Night Owls: An Illuminated Evening for Adults Only (21+) will be on November 22 and December 12, 2025 and January 2, 2026. On these evenings there will be holiday-themed bars throughout the zoo where you can warm up with a cocktail and snacks. There will also be caricature artists and a carousel—all in a kid-free environment.
There is fun to be had every night at WildLanterns. You can reserve a private snow globe, get festive cocktails at The Frosted Glass, and see nightly acrobatic performances at the PACCAR Auditorium. Families can take their kids to the Interactive Zone for hands-on play. Finally, don’t miss the Forest Trailhead display, which depicts the animals coming to Woodland Park Zoo’s new exhibit opening in 2026: “Get an illuminated sneak peek at some of the forest ambassadors—like red pandas and tree kangaroos—that will soon call our zoo their home.”
If you have a kid or member of your group with sensory issues, you can attend on low-sensory nights: December 2 and January 8. There is also the Zoomazium Nightlights indoor area, which is open every night from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. All ages can warm up and relax in this cozy, low-sensory space that has dim lighting, soft sounds, and nightly themed activities for families to enjoy.
WildLantern admission costs $51 for ages 13+ and $46 for ages 3-12. Kids age 2 and under get in for free. Woodland Park Zoo members receive a 20% discount on admission. There’s also the option to upgrade your experience with the “Glow All Night Pass” which includes snacks, unlimited carousel rides, and a Virtual Reality experience. Finally, there is parking available on-site for $10 plus taxes and fees.
Note that WildLanterns will be closed on these dates: November 17-20, 24, and 27; December 1, 8, 15, 24, and 25; and January 5-7 and 12-14. On days when it’s open, the hours are 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. Lastly, know that except for cases of extreme weather, WildLanterns is rain or shine—so dress for the weather!
Find even more info on the zoo website.
WildLanterns
📅When: November 14, 2025 through January 18, 2026
📍Where: Woodland Park Zoo
💲Cost: $46-$51