Wild Lights at the Zoo: Riverbanks Zoo's Christmas Lights

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Want to see the Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo?

Now known as Wild Lights at the Zoo, Riverbanks holds this Columbia zoo Christmas lights event every year with colorful and elaborate light displays that celebrate wildlife and the spirit of the season.

It’s one of the zoo’s biggest annual events and the main Columbia zoo lights display.

Learn all about what to expect during Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights event here, including what you can see, ticketing info, some practical tips, and some information on this year’s event in this post, based on our own experiences.

Entrance to the Columbia Zoo Christmas lights event.

What to Expect at Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

Wild Lights is Riverbanks Zoo’s annual winter holiday light show and event.

It’s held every year, usually starting in late November and running into the New Year.

It features over 60 handmade animal and nature themed light displays. It’s, in essence, the Columbia zoo Christmas lights.

Coming from out of town and need a place to stay? Check out my post on hotels near Riverbanks Zoo or search for hotels in Columbia.

Wild Lights vs Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks

I have fond memories of going to the Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks with my grandparents as a kid growing up here in Columbia.

These Columbia zoo lights were the most famous Christmas lights display around back then.

In 2023, the Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks was rebranded as Wild Lights.

According to this press release from the zoo at the time, the zoo’s CEO says the rebrand was a “fresh take on the holiday lights experience that will create a more meaningful connection to our mission of conservation.”

He continues that Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights event is meant to “set us apart from the growing number of lights events around the Midlands.”

This story at WIS, suggests the same with the zoo’s Public Relations Manager saying, “Wherever you look, there’s something really cool to see that you won’t see anywhere else around here.”

That makes sense, as there are other well regarded Christmas lights displays around Columbia now, such as the Lights at Segra Park and Lights at Saluda Shoals.

Also, well, lights showing nature and animals do make sense for a zoo.

A couple holding an infant at the lights before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo with koala lighs behind them. — Wild Lights is the new incarnation of the Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo, featuring big animal lanterns.

Then again, maybe it’s all part of some nefarious War on Christmas, likely led by the koalas, secretly fomenting a subversion of American culture under their cute, cuddly exteriors.

The main displays, which are big lanterns in the shape of animals and other nature scenes are also a distinguishing feature from traditional strings of brightly colored and flashing Christmas lights.

We actually went to Wild Lights in 2023 for our daughter Aaliyah’s first Christmas.

If I’m being honest, it wasn’t exactly what I expected based on those memories of going to the Columbia zoo’s Lights Before Christmas event in my own childhood, but we still enjoyed it.

It’s cool, and I do think offers something unique you won’t find anywhere else during the holiday season.

Just be aware, it isn’t exactly Christmas lights at the zoo.

A woman holding an infant at the Lights at the Zoo Riverbanks. — While it wasn’t exactly what we expected, this was still neat and we enjoyed it.

It’s more like neat animal art that lights up at the zoo that just so happens at Christmas time.

There is a Santa and plenty of holiday cheer themed things though, which the koalas must have been talked into after after a few too many eucalyptus leaves.

Pop political satire aside (there are plenty of other corners of the internet to argue about that!), Wild Lights seems to be the zoo’s effort to put a unique spin on the Christmas lights tradition that is more in line with their niche as a zoo and offers something a little different than other events this time of year.

Alongside Riverbanks’ Boo at the Zoo, it still remains one of the zoo’s biggest annual family events.

If you’d like to attend, read on to learn more about what to expect.

Three hyena lights at the Zoo at Riverbanks. — Be prepared for Riverbanks’ Wild Lights at the Zoo with this guide.

Riverbanks Wild Lights 2025

At the time of this publication in mid-September, there still isn’t a ton of info on all the details of the 2025 Wild Lights at Riverbanks, but I will try to update as it draws closer and more information is available.

The zoo’s page for the event does specify it will open on “select” nights beginning November 21 from 5 to 9 pm.

Based on previous years, that most likely means the Wild Lights at the Zoo at Riverbanks will be open only on weekends to start and then nightly right around Christmas.

It’s worth pointing out that normal zoo operating hours are 9-5. On nights when Wild Lights is open, the zoo will likely close a bit earlier than normal during the day.

So, keep that in mind if you are planning a visit to the zoo around the holiday season.

Tickets for 2025’s Wild Lights are set to go on sale November 1 (more on tickets below).

Statue and sign for Riverbanks Zoo during the Columbia Zoo Christmas lights event. — I appreciated these little touches!

What to Do and See at Riverbanks Wild Lights

So, now that we’ve clarified that this event isn’t exactly like the Columbia zoo’s Christmas lights events of years past, let’s talk about what you can see during Wild Lights.

Animal, Nature, and Conservation Themed Lanterns

As noted above, most of the brightly colored and/or flashing light strings have been replaced by giant lanterns.

Most of them are in the shape of animals, but there are others with nature and conservation themes, like giant trees, and even giant fungi.

They are neat, and definitely do make this seem more like a zoo themed event than a Christmas themed event.

Many of the animal displays are life size or even bigger than life size replicas of the animals they represent and show a cool and elaborate craftsmanship.

According to the zoo’s website, they are all handcrafted.

The displays are scattered throughout the zoo and all set up along the zoo’s normal walking path.

So, you’ll be able to stroll through the zoo much as you normally would during the day to see them.

A woman holding an infant looking at giraffe shaped Riverbanks Columbia zoo lights. — It’s interesting looking back at this photo as feeding the giraffes has become one of Aaliyah’s favorite activities at the zoo. Nature or nurture?

Can You See the Animals During Wild Lights?

Not really.

You can probably see the goats at the farmyard, and might catch a glimpse of a few others in their habitats while there is still some daylight.

However, it gets dark not long after that this time of year, and most of the animals are put away in the back area of their habitats for the evening.

I know we were able to enter the Koala Knockabout during Boo at the Zoo, but can’t recall with certainty whether it was open during our last visit to Wild Lights.

So, don’t count on seeing the animals.

Come during the day for that, and come to this to see the lights and perhaps be pleasantly surprised with an animal sighting or two.

Oh, and do check out my complete guide to Riverbanks Zoo to plan your visit during the day, by the way!

A line of zebra shaped lanterns during the Riverbanks Columbia zoo Christmas lights event. — The lights at Riverbanks’ Wild Lights are cool, but you can’t really see many of the animals during the event.

See Santa

Yes, there is a Santa at Wild Lights.

According to the zoo’s website, visits with Santa are available through December 23.

I’d expect there to be a line for Santa, so you might either want to visit him right after opening or wait until a little later after the initial rush dies down and the line might be shorter.

Santa should be at the covered event area with picnic tables on the backside of the zoo near the farmyard.

FYI, the bathrooms near here, right beside the farm, are the only ones with a family restroom that I know of at Riverbanks.

Display during the Lights at the Zoo at Riverbanks event of a tree with tarsiers. — I think this was one of my favorite displays.

Snowfall

A nice snow machine is allways fun for kids, at least here in not so snowy Columbia!

There is always a snow machine area where kids (and adults!) can pretend they are in a winter wonderland and enjoy an imitation of this rarity in our area.

Ride on the Carousel and Train

The carousel and train are sure to be up and running during Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights, perhaps with a holiday theme or decorations.

Keep in mind, these do have an additional cost by way of what the zoo calls Explore More credits, which you can purchase at stands nearby.

The zoo’s membership page does specify that the unlimited credits on the Explorer membership level are only good for day time attractions.

We don’t have that level of membership, so I can’t 100% confirm they don’t work at Wild Lights, but that seems to suggest you’ll need to pay for these extra activities even if you don’t on a normal visit during the day time.

Light display in shape of a spider at the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo. — This one was cool too!

S’mores, Hot Cocoa, and Other Concessions

There are concession stands open during Wild Lights, but all of them may not be open every night.

Special offerings during the Columbia zoo’s Christmas lights event include s’more’s kits (there are little fire pit s’more stations) and hot cocoa.

You can also get regular zoo snacks like funnel cakes, ice cream, Dippin’ Dots, pretzels, ICCEs, and sodas.

Tuskers Restaurant should be open most nights, and Wild Burger is generally open only some nights during evening evens like this (most likely only on the weekend) if you want things like pizza, burgers, or chicken tenders.

Oh, and there should be adult beverages liked beer, boozy ICEEs, and even spiked hot cocoa on sale at a handful of the concession stands during Wild Lights (the Watering Hole between the monkey cave and the rhinos is your best bet for this).

Lantern in the shape of a dinosaur at the Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights event. — No kids event is complete without the token dinosaur or two!

Activities and Photo Ops

Besides Santa, there are sometimes other fun activities and special guests at Wild Lights.

So, check the schedule before you go to see if there is any you’d like to see.

There are also fun photo ops set up throughout the zoo, in addition to all the great photos you can get with the animal lights displays themselves.

People walking on a path with lights and souvenir stands during the Riverbanks Zoo Christmas lights event. — There are plenty of concessions, not to mention souvenirs on sale during the event.

Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights Ticket Info

First things first, you need a separate ticket just to Wild Lights to attend.

That’s to say, you can’t visit the zoo during the day and stick around for Wild Lights.

Likewise, you can’t buy a ticket for Wild Lights, come early, and get admission to the zoo during normal operating hours.

People who visit during the day will be ushered out at closing time, and you’ll need a special admission ticket for Wild Lights.

If I recall correctly from our last visit, prices varied by night, and they were slightly more expensive on weekends and perhaps as you got closer to Christmas.

See the section on this year’s event above or the zoo’s webpage to see when tickets go on sale and how to buy them.

Display at the Wild Lights at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo in the shape of a mammoth. — The mammoth was pretty sweet too.

Weekends and the days around Christmas will almost assuredly sell out, probably well in advance and not long after the day they go on sale.

So, if there’s a specific night you want to attend, you might want to get your tickets ASAP once they go on sale.

Also, at least for Boo at the Zoo, tickets can only be purchased online, and I’d expect much the same for Wild Lights.

You might be able to get them the day of online, but you can’t walk up and buy Riverbanks Zoo lights tickets at the ticket booth in person.

Two lanterns in the shape of turtles facing each other during the Riverbanks Lights at the Zoo in Columbia, SC. — I’d move faster than a tortoise if you want to secure tickets for a specific weekend day, especially close to Christmas!

Riverbanks Wild Lights Discount Codes and Coupons

I’m unaware of any discount codes for Wild Lights.

Members of the zoo do get discounted tickets (generally, a few dollars off).

Also, children under 2 are generally free to enter the zoo, even for special events like this.

Some businesses and corporate partners might be able to acquire discounted tickets, but even the top dollar membership tiers don’t get complimentary tickets to this event.

Dragonfly lantern displays in bushes outside the Columbia Zoo Christmas lights event. — I loved these dragonflies in the bushes outside the zoo too!

Practical Tips for Wild Lights at Riverbanks

Ok, we’ve talked through what you can see at Wild Lights at Riverbanks and how to get tickets to this Riverbanks Zoo Christmas lights event.

Let’s talk about some additional practical tips that might help you get the most out of your visit to see the Columbia zoo lights.

As I said above, keep in mind that Wild Lights will probably sell out early for weekends and the days immediately leading up to Christmas.

So, get your tickets early if you’re not flexible on dates.

I’d also suggest arriving a bit before opening time so you can secure a relatively close parking spot and beat the line that forms at the entrance.

Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo in the shape of otters. — The early otter catches the fish, but you can also avoid being stuck in a line to get in if you come a little after opening.

This is especially the case if you have young kids with strollers.

While it’s not that far or difficult of a walk, you do have to take elevators up and down the elevated pedestrian bridge from the overflow parking lot.

The main parking lot definitely tends to fill up quick for events like this, so you’ll probably need to park in the back lot if you don’t arrive early or just at opening.

Speaking of parking, signs and the zoo’s policy on their website is that they charge for parking. In the years since we’ve been back living in Columbia, we’ve never actually been charged.

If you don’t care much about parking near the front and don’t mind staying until close time, another strategy might be to show up shortly after opening to avoid the initial rush and line.

You’ll probably have less congestion on the path as well since people have already walked around and are settling in to snacks, s’mores, and hot cocoa.

People standing around under a lights display of giant fungus at Christmas lights at Columbia Riverbanks Zoo. — Riverbanks Zoo’s normal policies are in effect during Wild Lights.

Riverbanks’ policy is no outside food or drinks.

I won’t advocate breaking the rules, but we’ve had water and little snacks like crackers and bananas in Aaliyah’s diaper bag and never had a problem. I probably wouldn’t try to bring your Christmas ham though.

Riverbanks does not allow smoking or vaping anywhere inside the zoo.

While this event is not kid centric, it is kid and family friendly.

So, well, expect a lot of kids.

Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Keep in mind Columbia, SC weather can vary greatly this time of year. You might very well be able to show up in shorts.

Or, you might very well need to be bundled up good.

So, check the weather and dress appropriately.

People standing outside the Riverbanks Zoo Lights ticket booths and entrance. — I hope this guide helped you plan your own visit to Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo!

Ready to See Riverbanks’ Wild Lights Yourself?

Now you’ve got a complete guide to what to expect during Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights, aka Riverbanks Zoo’s Christmas lights show.

I hope this guide was helpful in planning your own visit and that you enjoy it if you do go.

I’d love to know what you thought in the comments. Feel free to share any tips you’d give other visitors or any intel on those scheming koalas too!

Cheers and ~~Happy~~ Merry Exploring!