For those who thought they had missed their chance to bask in the glow of over 1.5 million twinkling lights, there's good news: the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has decided to gift us with a little more holiday cheer. According to a recent announcement, the wildly popular Wild Winter Lights event will extend its drive-through experience, slated to shimmer brightly from Jan. 2 to Jan. 4, 2026, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., WKYC reported.
While the walk-through version lights up its final night on Dec. 30 with only seven more evenings, including Monday, those seeking to experience the Wild Winter Lights from the warmth of their vehicle are in luck. The extension tacks on three additional nights to drive through whimsical displays like Swan Lake and Santa's North Pole Lodge, earmarked by offering visitors the chance to snap a photo with Santa, as also seen on cleveland.com.
With the original schedule set to conclude on Dec. 30 for pedestrians, the unexpected addition of drive-through dates provides a continued celebration for those who prefer the cozy confines of their cars. This drive-through exclusive continues to light up the season beyond the New Year – a magical prolonging of the zoo's biggest holiday tradition, complete with the rhythm of a dynamic musical light show, according to cleveland.com.
For eager attendees, the zoo has made it clear: purchasing tickets in advance is a must, as this popular event is prone to selling out. With pricing set at $24 for members and $27 for non-members, or a family-friendly four-pack at $70 for members and $80 for non-members, getting your hands on them sooner rather than later is wise. For the drive-through experience, car tickets are available at $49 for zoo members and $59 for non-members. Children under two can join in on the fun for free, enjoying holiday-themed areas meticulously arranged as described by Cleveland 19 News.
