Your Holiday Journey Begins in Santa’s Cottage….
A new family tradition, Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo begins in Santa’s Cottage with the opportunity to meet Santa himself. Guests can then journey into the Zoo and walk among a dazzling display of nearly one-million lights, attend a dance party and nightly tree-lighting hosted by Santa’s elves, toast s’mores, ride the Evergreen Express, decorate sugar cookies with festive favorites, and even get nose-to-nose with Santa’s reindeer!
Ticketing Information
Fort Wayne Zoo members can enjoy a $2 discount by logging into their member portal at the time of purchase.
For any questions on ticketing information, call Guest Services at 260-427-6800 or email us.
- Admission Pricing to Wild Lights:
Zoo Member Admission: $10
General Admission $12
Ages 1 and under are free.
Dates and Hours
Wild Lights is open to guests from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Sunday – Thursday
5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
November 28th
Special event: Opening Night
December 20th – 23rd
Special event: Visit with Santa’s Reindeer! Reindeer will be able to see Dec. 20 through Dec. 31
December 24th & 25th
CLOSED
December 26th – 31st
Special event: Visit with Santa’s Reindeer! Reindeer will be able to see Dec. 20 through Dec. 31
January 4th
Special event: Last Night! Don’t miss out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase tickets at the front gate for Wild Lights?
Guests can purchase tickets online and in-person. Don’t miss out on our early-elf prices!
Where do I park?
PARKING:
For guests visiting both Wild Lights and Fantasy of Lights, parking is available in the main entrance of the Zoo at 3411 Sherman Blvd. at no additional charge.
For guests visiting only Wild Lights, please park in the Zoo Education Center at 600 Franke Park Dr. at no additional charge. For parking accommodations, please call Guest Services at 260-427-6800.
Additional guest parking locations will be available at Bowen Health and Charlies Place. Shuttles will run continuously throughout the nights of: Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20.
Bowen Health: 2100 Goshen Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Charlie’s Place: 4201 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Guests will not be able to park in Franke Park.
How long does it take to walk the entirety of Wild Lights?
We recommend guests give themselves one to two hours to fully enjoy the path.
Will my ticket be refunded in the event of inclement weather?
For ticketing questions, please contact Guest Services at 260-427-6800 or email info@fwzoo.com
Can tickets be refunded?
For ticketing questions, please contact Guest Services at 260-427-6800 or email info@fwzoo.com
Can guests take pictures?
Guests are welcome to take photos throughout their Wild Lights experience as long as it does not interfere with another guest’s experience. No large tripods or monopods. No drones. All guests must stay on the Zoo path.
Will there be food or drinks available?
Food and refreshments will be available to purchase at Peacock Cafe, Ray’s Barefoot Grill, and Bamboo Forest Snack Station as well as pop up locations throughout the event.
Will animals be out at this time?
Animal viewing opportunities will be available throughout Indiana Family Farm, Central Zoo, and Red Panda Ridge. Please be mindful that many animals may choose to go to their behind-the-scenes home during this night event.
Is this event ADA accessible?
All Wild Light pathways are ADA-accessible.
Fort Wayne LightFest is made possible through a partnership with Blue Jacket.
Supporting Sponsors:
Centier Bank
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
TechSolutions, Corp.
Rohrman Auto Group
The DeHayes Group
Bowen Health
Fort Wayne Newspapers
Reindeer Ride