Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lanterns Experience

Home for the Holidays!

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium makes spirits bright again this winter holiday season with Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, presented by UPMC Health Plan, select nights November 22 through January 11, 2026. All new silk-and-steel lanterns will spark your imagination, including amazing animals, beloved holiday characters, traditional Asian icons, and ever so many enchantments. The lanterns will be paired with more than a million twinkling lights for an unforgettably shiny holiday experience.

This magical winter wonderland is populated by penguins and polar bears, holiday trees, candy canes, snowflakes and snow people, and many, many more. Your favorite animals are also represented among the lanterns, including elephants, leopards, giraffes, many kinds of birds, and more amazing creatures from the wild. Beloved Hanukkah, Christmas, and Lunar New Year symbols will also illuminate the night for the ultimate celebration of seasons.

As a holiday gift to our guests, prices have been lowered for this merry event! This includes flex tickets, discounts for Zoo Members, special family value nights, and group discounts.

Wintry activities, a holiday lineup of toasty treats and delightful drinks, performances by Chinese acrobats, rides on the Zoo train and carousel, and the opportunity to meet Santa will make this a must-see, holiday tradition. It will be love at first light for you and your special people to make unforgettable holiday memories at the Zoo!

Ticket Options

New for 2026: flexible pricing based on your input.

The time on your ticket indicates the range of time when you will enter the Zoo but does not require a specific exit time. Once admitted to the Zoo at the listed time for the event, you may stay in the park as long as preferred, or until park close. Single Day tickets must be used on the selected evening and are not transferrable to other nights. Flex tickets must be used by the expiration date listed on the ticket.

Easy Entry: Single Day Ticketsexpand_more

Single Day Tickets

Standard non-Member adult tickets are $27 for weekdays Monday-Thursday, and $29 for weekends Friday-Sunday. Child tickets, ages 2-13, cost $5 less: $22 for weekdays and $24 for weekends.

Discounts are available! See below on page.

New for 2026: we listened to your feedback and lowered prices! We want even more guests to enjoy Wild Illuminations, so guests now get more for less. Prices are also now fixed. While the prices vary by weekday and weekend, the prices won’t change; the prices listed will remain the prices on those days. Learn about Single Day Pricing.

Great Discounts: Members, Value Nights, and Groupsexpand_more

Member Discounts

Members save $2 on all Single Day tickets. Discount will automatically be applied to all Single Day Wild Illuminations tickets in the cart once Members log in. Number of tickets discounted is limited to the level of Membership held by the guest.

Members save big on Member Extra Value Nights: select Mondays, November 24, December 1, 8, and January 5. Members receive extra discounts on entry, making Member tickets just $23 adult, $19 child on these special nights! $2 discount incorporated into final listed price here. Discount applied in cart once logged in.

Family Value Nights

Enjoy discounted tickets and lower crowds on to select Tuesdays: November 25, December 2, 9, and January 6. Enjoy tickets for $25 adult and $21 child, our best non-Member rates.

Group Discount

Groups of 15+ can automatically receive a $23 flat rate on all Single Day tickets. Discount will automatically be applied to all Wild Illuminations tickets in the cart. All child tickets will receive listed rates lower than $23. Groups must select a date and time that works for everyone in the party. Note that Member discount does not apply to group sales.

Most Choice: Flex Ticketsexpand_more

Guests looking for the flexibility of visiting Wild Illuminations during any night or time of the festival may purchase a Flex ticket. Flex tickets are single-use, flat-rate tickets that are good for any operating night at any time 5:30 – 9 p.m. These premium-priced $32 tickets offer options for guests with evolving plans.

No discounts are available for Flex tickets. Ticket price applies as a flat rate to guests of all ages over 24 months.

Activities

Scavenger Huntexpand_more

For guests of all ages, activity throughout the Zoo

Included free with all admission tickets, use your personal mobile device to find specialty displays and great photo opportunities as you enjoy the lanterns! Participation details available on grounds, or get started by downloading Goosechase for iOS or Android.

Holiday Specsexpand_more

Guests looking to experience the season can purchase pair of Holiday Specs diffraction glasses that bend light into festive patterns!

Community Performancesexpand_more

We have some spectacular performances that will leave you starry-eyed! Check back for details!

Santa Visitsexpand_more

Take a photo with Santa in our winter wonderland on select nights!

Arriving at the Zoo

Children under 24 months old do not require tickets.

Guests arriving at the Zoo without Wild Illuminations tickets may buy tickets on grounds if tickets remain available. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets before arriving at the Zoo to guarantee availability.

The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Only Member and Group discounts listed on this page apply; no additional discounts are available.

Experience & Getting Around

Animals will not be visible in their public habitat during evening hours. To see all Zoo animals, you may also plan a daytime visit. Please note that the Zoo will fully close for an hour and a half between daytime operation and nighttime Wild Illuminations.

Most indoor buildings are closed, though guests have access to restrooms and Water’s Edge. Food, drinks, and gifts are available for purchase at kiosks through the Zoo.

Guests will walk through the Zoo to experience holiday lanterns. Tram will not operate during this evening event. Guests looking to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter are highly recommended to place an advanced reservation. Quantities are limited. Without a reservation, rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no guarantee of availability. To make a mobility assistance reservation, please call 412-365-6020.

As we build a better Zoo for you, portions of our pathway will be under construction. Drive-thru options of Wild Illuminations will not take place this season.