ILLUMINATE YOUR HOLIDAYS

November 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027
4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
(Last entry at 8:30 p.m.)

A Must See Winter Wonderland!

WildLanterns presented by Kaiser Permanente is the season’s must-see wonderland filled with all-new, custom lantern displays. Experience an immersive adventure that promises a magical holiday moment for all!

Members receive a 20% discount!

Members will need to login into their account associated with their membership for discount to be applied at the time of checkout.

Buy Early and Save!*

Save 30% now through September 30!

Secure your holiday plans early and let the savings shine.

*Buy-early-and-save discount valid only towards full-priced, timed Adult and Child General Admission. May be combined with the following membership type discounts: Annual Pass, Family Passport, Conservation Partner, and Wild at Heart. Not applicable to Flexible Admission, Explorer Pass, Night Owls, or to guests ages 65+ purchasing a Holiday Senior Stroll ticket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Closure Dates

WildLanterns runs November 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. nightly, except for the following closed evenings:

November 16 – 18, 23, 26, 30
December 7, 14, 24 – 25
January 4 – 6, 11 – 13

Feel The Magic

From Antarctica to Africa: A World of Discovery Awaits!

One planet. Seven continents. Endless wonder.

Step into a world of light and wonder as WildLanterns presented by Kaiser Permanente takes guests on an unforgettable adventure across the seven continents and beneath the ocean’s surface. From the frozen realms of Antarctica to the vibrant rainforests of South America, every turn reveals breathtaking wildlife, immersive landscapes, and all new lantern displays.

Encounter playful penguins and majestic orcas in icy waters, marvel at snow leopards perched high on Asia’s rugged cliffs, and roam alongside giraffes, zebras, and lions on the glowing African savanna. Discover Australia’s extraordinary marsupials, witness North America’s mighty bears, stroll through Europe’s picturesque meadows, and venture deep into a dazzling underwater world where tropical fish shimmer among radiant coral reefs.

Make sure to stop by the Interactive Zone – an area designed to enchant the imagination of kids of all ages.

Winter Fun All Season

Don’t miss these special theme nights to brighten up your outing!

Low Sensory Nights: November 15, December 1, 2026, and January 10, 2027
Night Owls (21+): November 20 and December 18, 2026, and January 2, 2027
Holiday Senior Stroll with discounts for seniors (65+): November 22, 2026
Pop Star Night: December 13, 2026
Seattle Sports Night: January 16, 2027

See all events

For details on ticketing, parking, accommodations and more, see the WildLanterns FAQ.

Night Owls

An Illuminated Evening for Adults Only (21+) *

November 20 and December 18, 2026, and January 2, 2027

Escape the crowds and enjoy WildLanterns during an adults-only evening with a seasonal cocktail in hand.

WildLanterns’ exclusive 21+ nights offer a unique opportunity to sip holiday-inspired cocktails, explore mesmerizing lantern displays, and discover festive themed bars throughout the zoo, all in a kid-free environment. Guests must be 21 or older and present a valid ID.

BUY NIGHT OWL TICKETS

*Ticket purchasers must be 21 or older. IDs will be checked upon entry. Tickets cover admission only; food and beverages are available for purchase at an additional cost. Additional discounts do not apply to Night Owls events.

Discover More Wild Happenings

The Frosted Glass

The Frosted Glass is the perfect spot to chill, enjoy a snack, and sip on one of our festive holiday cocktails.

Zoomazium Nightlights*

Warm up indoors from 4:30–8:30 p.m. in this cozy, low-sensory space featuring dim lighting, gentle sounds and nightly themed activities for families to enjoy.

*Please note that hours of operation may vary based on staff availability.

Shop the ZooStore

The West store will be open from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the South store will be open from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. during WildLanterns. Please be aware that hours of operation may vary based on staff availability.

Zoomazium Hours

Zoomazium is scheduled to be open for the duration of WildLanterns from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Please note that hours of operation may vary based on staff availability.