Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today Readers’ Choice in 2024, Hattiesburg Zoo’s “Lights of the Wild” is a holiday MUST DO for friends and families. Dazzling lighted displays feature super-sized animals, larger than life flowers and plants as well as holiday themed décor. There is no better way to ring in the holiday season than with the splendor of “Lights of the Wild” at the Hattiesburg Zoo!
“Lights of the Wild” will take place over 11 nights, December 5th – 7th, 12th – 14th and 19th – 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 at the gate and $16 online. Online ticket sales end daily at 5:00 p.m. Children under 2 are free, and season passes do not apply for this special event. Tickets for Lights of the Wild can be purchased through the link: https://hattiesburgzoo.connectngo.com/en/tag/special-events When purchasing tickets, guests must choose a specific night to attend “Lights of the Wild”.
In addition to the Zoo’s collection of beautiful and exotic lanterns, guests will also enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus in the Asbury Discovery Center, photos with Santa in the Africa Pavilion, animal encounters throughout the Zoo and unlimited rides on the Northern Lights Express Train and Candy Cane Carousel throughout the evening. Numerous holiday treat stations will be located throughout the Zoo and include holiday favorites, dinner fare and seasonal beverages.
The Letters to Santa Station will be located in the Asbury Discovery Building where children of all ages can write their wish lists and have them sent to Santa for his consideration. Of course, getting their lists filled will depend on whether they are on the Naughty or Nice List!
It won’t matter what the temperatures are in South Mississippi because there will be snow every night of “Lights of the Wild”. The white flakes will be falling at the Splash Pad and at Mt. Everest (Bug Hub) for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
There will be a nightly ticket capacity limit, and ticket availability is not guaranteed at the gate. “Lights of the Wild” is an outdoor, rain or shine event and tickets are non-refundable. Please follow us via social media for any ticketing updates and/or weather cancellations for “Lights of the Wild”.
Presenting sponsor for the Hattiesburg Zoo’s Lights of the Wild is PriorityOne Bank.
