Midlands events › Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia runs on select nights from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m., with more than 60 handcrafted wildlife lantern displays. Tickets go on sale November 2 and Riverbanks strongly recommends buying ahead.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dates | Select nights, Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 (open dates listed below) |
| Hours | 5 to 9 p.m. |
| Where | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC |
| Tickets | On sale Nov 2, 2026; advance purchase strongly recommended; prices not yet published |
| Highlights | 60+ lantern displays, nightly snowfall, photo spots, Santa through Dec 23 |
| Presented by | BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina |
Which nights are open
Riverbanks lists Wild Lights on select nights only. Per the zoo’s calendar, these dates are open:
| Month | Open nights |
|---|---|
| November 2026 | 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29 |
| December 2026 | 2, 3, then every night from 5 through 23, then 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| January 2027 | 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
Every other date, including Nov 23, 24 and 26, Dec 1, 4, 24, 25 and 31, and Jan 1, 4 and 5, shows as closed. The zoo can change its calendar, so check the official Wild Lights page before you drive.
What to expect
You walk through the zoo after dark past more than 60 handcrafted lantern displays shaped like wildlife. The zoo also lists nightly snowfall, hands-on activities, photo spots and visits with Santa through December 23. Private igloo rentals are available. Most of the zoo’s animals are off exhibit at night, so think of it as a light show rather than a night safari.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale November 2, and Riverbanks says advance purchase is strongly recommended. The zoo had not published ticket prices when we checked, so we do not quote one. Buy only from the official Riverbanks site.
Tips for families
- The calendar lists many weeknights in December as open, so you are not limited to weekends.
- Santa visits run through December 23, so go before then if your kids want to meet him.
- Dress for a December evening outdoors.
- Also at Riverbanks this season: Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors, open through January 4, 2027, is included with daytime admission. Riverbanks also says a new holiday event is coming and details are still to be announced.
Frequently asked questions
When is Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo?
Select nights from November 20, 2026 through January 10, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m. It is not open every night; the zoo’s calendar lists the open dates, which are repeated in the table on this page.
When do Wild Lights tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale November 2, 2026. Riverbanks says advance purchase is strongly recommended. The zoo has not published ticket prices yet, so we do not quote one.
What is there to see?
Over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature, plus nightly snowfall, interactive experiences, photo spots, and visits with Santa through December 23. Private igloo rentals are also offered.
Will I see the animals at Wild Lights?
Mostly no. Riverbanks says you may spot a few night owls, but most of the animals are off exhibit at night.
Is Wild Lights open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
No. The zoo’s calendar shows it closed December 24 and 25, and also December 31 and January 1.
Does Wild Lights cost extra on top of zoo admission?
Riverbanks has not published ticket prices for Wild Lights yet. Tickets go on sale November 2 and this page will be updated when the zoo posts them.
Keep planning
Lantern photo courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, used with permission.
Sources
- Riverbanks Wild Lights, checked 2026-10-18
- Riverbanks fall and winter lineup announcement, Oct 1, 2026, checked 2026-10-18
Everything above was read on the organizer’s own pages and last checked 2026-10-18. Dates, prices and rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go. See our editorial standards, verification log and corrections.
Coming Up Near Columbia
- EdVenture Children's Museum (Columbia)On now through May 31 · Columbia
- Boo at the Zoo (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden)On now through Oct 30 · Columbia
- South Carolina State Museum First SundayNov 1 – Mar 7 · Columbia
- David SedarisNov 2 · Columbia
Places Nearby
- South Carolina State MuseumMuseum · in Columbia
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military MuseumMuseum · in Columbia
- Mills, Robert, HouseNational Historic Landmark · in Columbia
- Riverbanks Zoo & GardenAttraction · in Columbia
Straight-line distance from the centre of Columbia, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo 2026: Dates and Tickets”, itssouthcarolina.com/wild-lights-riverbanks-zoo-columbia/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.