COLUMBIA, S.C. – Get Ready for Wild Lights!
As the holiday season approaches, the beautiful city of Columbia is gearing up for a truly magical experience! The second annual Wild Lights event at Riverbanks Zoo is set to dazzle visitors and bring a sense of wonder to families and friends looking to embrace the festive spirit.
What to Expect at Wild Lights
Starting on Friday night, November 15, this spectacular event will run on select nights through January 12, 2025. That’s right—enjoy two amazing months filled with twinkling lights and captivating displays. Riverbanks Zoo has outdone themselves this year with over 60 handcrafted lantern displays that draw inspiration from wildlife and the beauty of nature.
Each lantern is a unique showcase—think vibrant colors, mesmerizing designs, and the chance to see your favorite animals brought to life in a brand new way! There’s something special about seeing the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland where you can explore and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
Wild Lights offers a fantastic family-friendly adventure that is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. Walking through the zoo after dark and witnessing the illuminated displays adds a whole new dimension to your usual zoo experience. You’ll find playful lions made of light, enchanting butterflies, and even whimsical trees that seem to twinkle from afar.
This year, the event has gone even greener! Riverbanks Zoo is emphasizing sustainability by utilizing energy-efficient LED lights to help reduce their environmental impact while still providing those stunning visual delights. It’s a win-win—you can enjoy the lights and feel good about helping the planet!
Plan Your Visit
So, how can you enjoy Wild Lights? Planning ahead is key! Tickets can be purchased online, so you’ll want to secure your spot before they sell out. Select nights will be bustling with attendance, and you don’t want to miss out on the fun. Plus, visiting during the week can provide a quieter, more intimate experience to stroll through the displays and soak it all in.
Remember to dress warmly! Even though Columbia usually enjoys milder weather, evenings can get a bit chilly. Grab your coziest scarf and hat, then prepare yourself for a stroll that’s sure to take your breath away. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone—trust us, you’ll want to capture every moment!
Additional Festive Activities
While the lantern displays are the highlight, there are plenty of other activities happening during Wild Lights. Keep an eye out for festive treats—think delicious hot cocoa and yummy snacks to keep you fueled for your adventure. Local vendors may also be featuring holiday gifts and goodies perfect for that loved one on your list!
Join the Celebration!
The Wild Lights event is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family, head out to the zoo, and take part in a night filled with joy. So why not add it to your holiday plans? It’s more than just a light display—it’s a celebration of nature and a chance to create unforgettable memories.
Mark your calendars, grab those tickets, and prepare to be amazed. Columbia is bursting with holiday spirit, and Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo doesn’t disappoint!
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
