The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium makes spirits bright this holiday season with Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, presented by UPMC Health Plan, select nights November 15 – January 12. This fabulously frosty reimagination of the Zoo’s beloved Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights combines larger-than-life holiday-themed lanterns with more than a million twinkling lights for our biggest and brightest glow-fest ever! 

Guests who have marveled at the handmade silk and steel structures will be amazed by an all-new lineup of sights, sounds, and surprises. This magical winter wonderland includes penguins and puffins, elks and elves, snowflakes, snow people, and snowy owls. Colossal lanterns also include trees, candy canes, and a surplus of Santa Clauses. A fantastical Secret Forest is a frigid home to unicorns, a griffin, a snow monster, and an unforgettable ice dragon, while lanterns such as a mystical dream tunnel and spectrum of zodiac animals will shine light on Lunar New Year! 

Wintry activities, a holiday lineup of toasty treats and delightful drinks, performances by regional musicians, and the opportunity to meet Santa and other favorite holiday friends will make this your family’s new must-see holiday tradition. A drive-thru option is available December 2 and 9.