A red panda walks along a fallen tree trunk surrounded by green foliage in a forested area.

CALENDAR ADVISORY / November 18, 2025

Special Event Nights at WildLanterns This Season

Theme Nights Provide a Welcoming and Fun Landscape for All

WHAT:
WildLanterns presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers has returned to Woodland Park Zoo with all-new, larger-than-ever lantern displays. Experience an immersive adventure that promises a magical holiday moment for all!

To help make this a spectacular experience for everyone, WildLanterns features several special theme nights including Holiday Senior Stroll, Low Sensory Nights and Night Owls, a 21+ only evening.

Holiday Senior Stroll at WildLanterns is returning November 25, giving seniors an opportunity to experience the magic at a 40% discounted price. Holiday Senior Stroll is an all-age event, but an opportunity to come together with our senior (65+) friends and family members to experience the wonder of these magical lanterns together.

Low Sensory Nights at WildLanterns on December 2, 2025 and January 8, 2026 will feature low sensory experiences, activities, and other resources to provide a comfortable holiday adventure for all. Zoomazium will transform into Zoomazium NightLights, a designated low sensory space with dimmed lighting and soothing sounds in the background.

Night Owls at WildLanterns is a 21+ adults-only evening happening on November 22, 2025, December 12, 2025 and January 2, 2026. Guests can enjoy holiday-inspired cocktails and noshes (additional cost for cocktails and food) amidst enchanting lantern displays and a festive atmosphere.

This season of WildLanterns also features other fun-themed evenings like Pop Star Night, Ugly Sweater Night, Family Photo Night and Seattle Sports Night.

As if it couldn’t get any better, each ticket sold will directly support excellent care for the hundreds of animals who call the zoo home, science learning programs, and more than 30 wildlife conservation projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

WHEN:
WildLanterns runs now through January 18, 2026  

WildLanterns will be closed several dates including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please visit www.zoo.org/wildlanterns for a full list of dates. 

Make your night at WildLanterns extra memorable with special themed evenings! Visit www.zoo.org/wildlanterns for more details: 

  • Night Owls 21+ adults-only: November 22, 2025, December 12, 2025, January 2, 2026
  • Holiday Senior Stroll with discounts for seniors (65+): November 25, 2025
  • Family Photo Night: November 30, 2025
  • Low Sensory Nights: December 2, 2025, 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

WHERE:
Enter WildLanterns through Woodland Park Zoo’s West or South Entrance:

West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103

South Entrance: 750 N. 50th St., Seattle, WA 98103

TICKETS:
Visit www.zoo.org/wildlanterns to purchase. 

Members receive 20% off General Admission ticket prices.

WildLanterns is a rain or shine event and there will be no ticket refunds.

INFO:
Be inspired by the magic of the holiday season as you stroll along the Wonderland Trail past woodland creatures from the Pacific Northwest and marvel at majestic Mount Rainier. See a spectacular world of reptiles and fish while wandering through Meandering Mangrove. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers as you journey Beneath the Blossoms of amazing botanical blooms. Then, step into the future at the Forest Trailhead—a luminous celebration of the incredible animals coming to Woodland Park Zoo’s new exhibit of the same name 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. Experience the spectacular acrobatic performances nightly in PACCAR Auditorium. And make sure to stop by the Interactive Zone, a space where imaginations of all ages can run wild.

Parking:
$15 (plus taxes and fees) in the Otter and Lion Lots and $10 (plus taxes and fees) in other lots during WildLanterns. These prices apply after 3:30 p.m. Member parking discount does not apply to special events, including WildLanterns. Reserve your space in advance or pay day of, pending availability. 

Woodland Park Zoo offers a safe, outdoor experience for all. Visit www.zoo.org for information. Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily; 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on WildLanterns evenings.

Accessibility: Information about accessibility and resources, one-to-one aides, sighted guides, mobility equipment rentals, ASL interpretation and a sensory map and sensory tools can be found at www.zoo.org/access. ADA ramp access for Historic Carousel. For questions or to request disability accommodations for zoo programs or events, contact zooinfo@zoo.org.