Cleveland Zoo Lights

DATETIMEADDRESS

Scroll down to view pricing

Cleveland Zoo Lights is one of the most anticipated holiday events in Cleveland. If you wish to celebrate the Christmas season uniquely, participating in the Christmas light show at Cleveland Zoo is a good decision. The zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland with over one million lights.

Cleveland Zoo Lights
Festival highlights

About Cleveland Zoo Lights

The zoo lights feature costumed characters, carousel rides, ice carvers, model train displays, a musical light show, and live music. The event also features themed areas, including Enchanted Forest, Candyland, Conservation Trail, and Santa’s Workshop, where you can take a selfie with Santa Claus. 

Attending the blinking Christmas lights show will give you a memorable holiday experience. It is a festive event that is welcome for all ages. 

Cleveland Zoo Lights Festival Dates

The Cleveland Zoo Lights is celebrated from November to January. Last year, the event was held from November 16 to January 2. This year dates are:

  • November 16, 17, 23, 30
  • December 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
  • January 2

With the LED curtain lights, you can make your holidays more colorful and livelier.     

Where are the WILD WINTER LIGHTS Cleveland Zoo

The Cleveland Zoo Lights is located at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109. Getting to the festival of lights is easy due to their accessible transportation. You can also ask the friendly locals to get to your destination. 

Festival Hours

You can enjoy the light exhibition at the Cleveland Zoo from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. The drive-through option is available on selected Wednesdays and Tuesdays. You can explore the lights show for long hours. 

How Much It Cost to Visit the zoo lights Festival

The tickets for the festival of lights are limited, so you can make an online reservation. The ticket prices for the festival are:

$18 each person or a four-pack for $54 for zoo members

$20 each person or a four-pack for $60 for non-members

Free admission for kids ages 2 and younger 

Drive-through experience: $54 for each vehicle for zoo members and $60 for each car for non-members.

Cleveland Zoo Lights

Weather and What to Wear

Cleveland Zoo Lights is held from November to January, which is the winter season in the area. With this, you should bring thick clothing like jackets and sweaters to protect yourself from the cold weather. 

Hotels nearby the Cleveland Zoo Lights fest

After visiting the zoo lights at Cleveland, you should look for a safe place where you can sleep conveniently. The following are some of the top hotels that can provide you with the best accommodation. 

Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown  

The hotel is close to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It has an indoor pool where you can unwind during your stay. Like other hotels, Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown is also loaded with useful amenities to offer you with rewarding hotel experience. The property has complimentary breakfast, WIFI, a gym, and valet parking. 

The hotel staff also follows safety and cleaning standards for the comfort and protection of their guests. It also features a spa tub, air conditioning, 24-hour front desk, restaurant and bar/ lounge, laundry facilities, daily housekeeping, and microwave. The friendly team of the hotel will assist you from start to finish. You can be impressed by their exceptional customer service. 

Hampton Inn Cleveland Downtown 

Hampton Inn Cleveland Downtown is only a walking distance of Cleveland Public Auditorium. The property offers free WIFI, complimentary breakfast, a gym, a 24-hour business center, a computer station, and valet parking. If you travel with your family, it can be the best option since it is a family-friendly hotel. 

The hotel has free cribs/ infant beds, premium TV channels, a private bathroom, and daily housekeeping. There is also coffee/ tea in the common area. There are available connecting/ adjoining rooms. With their clean and safe rooms, you can sleep well after exploring the lights festival in Cleveland. 

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an IHG Hotel  

The hotel is close to Progressive Field and features an indoor pool for a more luxurious stay. It has free WIFI, air conditioning, a gym, and a free area shuttle. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center, premium tv channels, a private bathroom, a terrace, and valet parking. 

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square is a child- and family-friendly hotel. It also has free cribs/ infant beds and connecting/ adjoining rooms. The property can offer you excellent customer service. Their dedicated staff will accommodate your needs, so feel free to approach them. 

Hilton Cleveland Downtown 

The property is connected to the convention center, close to FirstEnergy Stadium. It has an indoor pool, gym, air conditioning, and internet access. In addition, they also have amenities including a restaurant, 2 bars/ lounges, housekeeping, and a 24-hour fitness center. 

Hilton Cleveland Downtown offers room service, 18 meeting rooms, a 24-hour business center, refrigerator, free cribs/ infant beds, a private bathroom, a coffee shop/ cafe, premium tv channels, and connecting/ adjoining rooms ideal if you travel with your family. Apart from their friendly staff, you can stay conveniently in their clean and relaxing atmosphere. 

Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade

Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade is close to JACK Cleveland Casino. It was a 4-star hotel with a restaurant. It can be a good hotel where you can sleep well while visiting the twinkle lights festival. It is a child-friendly and family-friendly hotel. 

There are available connecting/ adjoining rooms if you stay with your loved ones. The rooms in the property have air conditioning, free WIFI, premium tv channels, a private bathroom, and free cribs/ infant beds. The hotel also offers spa services, 9 meeting rooms, a 24-hour business center, a computer station, a coffee shop/ cafe, and room service. The staff of the hotel will give you the best accommodation you deserve. 

What to Eat

A food trip is essential for the best travel adventure. So, you should treat yourself to tasty cuisines after enjoying the fairy lights display at Cleveland Zoo. Here are the top restaurants you can visit for delicious dining.

The City Diner  

The City Diner will serve you American diner dishes. The restaurant can provide you with quality and tasty meals that will delight you. The eating spot also comes with a lovely and relaxing atmosphere allowing you to eat conveniently. With the comfort food and excellent customer service, you can make it one of your favorite restaurants as you travel for the Cleveland Zoo Lights. 

Gyro Guys   

The restaurant can offer you fast food, quick bites, and Greek dishes. It serves meals for dinner and lunch. The restaurant is open to everyone who wants to taste delicious foods. It is also wheelchair accessible. The restaurant’s chef only makes quality food to satisfy the taste of their customers. Their staff will assist you in making the best of your dining. 

Pizza Joe’s & Deli 

Are you a pizza lover? If yes, Pizza Joe’s & Deli can be the best food spot for you. The eatery serves meals for dinner and lunch. The ambiance of this restaurant will make you feel at home. You can always ask their friendly staff whenever you have concerns while eating at the restaurant. 

El Rinconcito Chapin 

El Rinconcito Chapin can serve you American and Mexican cuisines. If you want a luxurious dining experience, this can be the best restaurant for you. Try their dobladitos, pupusas, tacos, chuchitos, and more! It features takeout or table service. The best about this restaurant is that their food is made hot, fresh, and delicious. So, you can expect the best dining that you’ve always wanted.   

Pearl Road Tavern 

Pearl Road Tavern provides pub cuisines. It serves meals for dinner and lunch. With their delicious and quality foods, you can have a rewarding food trip on your travel to Cleveland. The staff will ensure that you can eat their top cuisines conveniently. Additionally, they also have a lovely and relaxing ambiance. 

More Things to Do in the Area

You should also try other activities to make a satisfying trip during the curtain lights festival. 

Cleveland Museum of Art  

The museum was founded way back in 1913. It is among the country’s most distinguished cultural institutions and famous attractions. It is housed in a gorgeous preserved neoclassic building made from white Georgian marble. The museum features a collection of over 30,000 works of art that span more than 5000 years. Some works are from ancient Egypt and masterpieces from Asia, Europe, and Africa. If you love arts, the museum can be a good spot for you. 

West Side Market 

It is among the oldest markets where more than 100 artisans, producers, and vendors can be found. The stalls offer freshly picked vegetables and fruits, fresh flowers, dairy products, nuts, spices, seafood, meats, and more! You can find homemade baked pastries, bread, and other baked goods. 

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens was made by scholars and students of Cleveland State University as a ‘peace garden.’ It was considered the living monument of the 20th century’s rich history. It features famous gardens, including the Armenian Garden, Albanian Cultural Garden, Slovenian Garden, Czech Garden, and Polish Garden.        

THANKS FOR READING
Read about more zoo lights >>
Have you been to Denver Zoo Lights?

Arik Akunis
Arik Akunis

My name is Arik Akunis and I have been in the field of lighting for over the last 20 years, I started my journey in the world of lighting in the lighting niche for events where I first came across a festival of lights and immediately fell in love with it.


Recently Added Lights Festivals

Festival of Lights Leavenworth

Leavenworth Lights

Leavenworth Village of Lights If you have seen Leavenworth’s small town transform itself into the magical snow globe

Read More »