Each winter, Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo presents WildLanterns, an evening light festival featuring handcrafted lantern displays throughout the zoo grounds. The event combines traditional lantern artistry with modern technology to create an immersive experience that transforms familiar zoo paths into illuminated trails. Visitors can explore themed areas, enjoy cultural performances, and participate in interactive light displays designed for all ages.
What To Expect at Woodland Park Zoo Lights: WildLanterns 2024
From glowing insects to towering wildlife sculptures, WildLanterns showcases over 700 individual lantern displays spread across distinct themed areas. Each section of the zoo offers different experiences, encouraging visitors to explore the entire grounds while discovering surprises around every corner. Here's what to expect when you visit.
Special WildLanterns Nights and Interactive Displays
In the Mystical Forest, ethereal creatures emerge from the darkness, their gentle glow creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The Journey on a Bright Desert Highway transports you to an illuminated landscape where desert wildlife comes alive through the artistry of light. In the Marvelous Mammals section, you'll discover glowing representations of Pacific Northwest animals, each lantern carefully crafted to capture the essence of these magnificent creatures.
Interactive elements spread throughout the experience invite you to become part of the display. Motion-activated installations respond to guests' movements, creating playful interactions between people and light. Children especially delight in discovering how their actions can influence the displays, from triggering cascading light effects to creating their own shadow art against specially designed backgrounds.
The zoo hosts several themed evenings throughout the season, each crafted to provide unique experiences:
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Low Sensory Nights create a peaceful environment with modified lighting and sound levels, perfect for those who prefer a gentler sensory experience. The Zoomazium transforms into a calming space with soft lighting and quiet activities, offering a comfortable retreat during the evening.
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Holiday Senior Stroll evenings welcome visitors of all ages to enjoy the displays at a relaxed pace, with particular attention to creating an accessible and enjoyable experience for senior guests.
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Adults can experience the wonder after dark during special 21+ evenings, which feature festive refreshments, animal encounters, and specialized programming designed for grown-up fun.
The Scale and Detail of WildLanterns Displays
The lantern installations range from small-scale pieces to massive structures that tower up to 30 feet high. The Mystical Forest features intricate mushroom clusters that light up in synchronized patterns, while the Desert Highway showcases cacti and desert creatures with precise anatomical details. Each animal lantern incorporates true-to-life features — from individually crafted scales on reptiles to the distinctive fur patterns of Northwest mammals.
The Birds of Paradise zone demonstrates the technical complexity behind these installations, with peacock displays featuring hundreds of individual light points that create detailed tail feather patterns. Under the Jungle Canopy, orangutan lanterns demonstrate realistic movement poses, while interactive butterfly wings span 12 feet and respond to visitor movements with changing light patterns.
Each installation combines traditional lantern-making techniques with modern LED technology, allowing for both static displays and dynamic light sequences that bring the creatures to life as evening falls.
Additional Festive Events and Experiences
Beyond the main light displays, WildLanterns offers specialized evenings designed to welcome every visitor to experience the magic in comfort.
Live Performances and Cultural Celebrations
The evening comes alive with traditional Chinese performances at the South entrance. Professional artists demonstrate their skills through impressive displays, including the dramatic Lion Dance, mesmerizing face-changing performances, and skillful umbrella juggling. These cultural celebrations add depth and dynamism to the illuminated evening experience, creating memorable moments that go beyond the visual display.
Throughout the grounds, you'll discover various entertainment zones where music, art, and performance combine to create festive atmospheres. Each area offers its own special charm, from quiet corners perfect for holiday photos to lively spaces filled with music and movement.
Holiday-Themed Food and Beverages
Throughout WildLanterns, special food stations and seasonal refreshments add warmth and flavor to the evening experience. The aroma of fresh-baked treats and warming beverages fills the air as you stroll between light displays. Holiday-inspired hot cocoa comes in both classic and creative flavors, perfect for warming hands and spirits on cool Seattle evenings.
Food locations spread across the grounds ensure you never have to venture far from the displays to find refreshments. Seasonal treats feature festive decorations that complement the surrounding lights, while savory options provide substantial fare for those making an evening of their visit. The Frosted Glass area offers adults a spot to enjoy holiday beverages while taking in views of the illuminated north meadow.
For families seeking a cozy break from outdoor exploring, indoor dining spaces provide comfortable spots to rest and refuel. Many menu items draw inspiration from the season's festivities, with options suitable for various dietary preferences. Consider timing your refreshment breaks to coincide with the cultural performances, allowing you to enjoy both dinner and a show during your visit.
Tips for Visiting Woodland Park Zoo Lights
Make the most of your WildLanterns visit with these helpful suggestions:
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Layer clothing appropriately for Seattle's winter weather, including waterproof outer layers.
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Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for exploring the extensive displays.
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Visit the Zoomazium during your evening for indoor activities and warming breaks.
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Consider weekday visits for smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace.
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Bring a camera to capture the magical moments, but remember to experience the wonder firsthand, too.
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Plan your route through the themed areas in advance to ensure you don't miss any displays.
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Consider arriving right at opening to enjoy the transition from day to night.
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Take advantage of indoor spaces like the West and South stores for warming breaks and holiday shopping.
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Schedule time to enjoy the cultural performances during your visit.
Choose CityPASS® Tickets for Your Holiday Visit
Enhance your Seattle holiday experience with Seattle CityPASS® tickets, which include admission to Woodland Park Zoo and other premier Seattle attractions. Save at five top Seattle attractions while enjoying the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. Seattle CityPASS® tickets help create lasting memories at the city's best destinations during the festive season and beyond.
Seattle Lodging
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Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo