COLUMBIA, S.C. — In all of the Columbia-area large holiday lights displays, one of the longest running events has been at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. For 35 years, Riverbanks has strung millions of lights throughout the property, inviting guests to walk through the displays at night.
This year, Riverbanks has decided to do something a bit different.
Instead of strings of lights, guests will encounter 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns throughout the zoo that depict plants and endangered animals in the Wild Lights display.
“Wild Lights is a fresh take on the holiday lights experience that will create a more meaningful connection to our mission of conservation,” says Tommy Stringfellow, President & CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “This brand-new event will set us apart from the growing number of lights events around the Midlands while shining a light on the beauty of nature and the importance of caring for our natural world.”
In addition to the huge lanterns, there will be interactive experiences, new photo-ops, nightly snowfalls, carousel and train rides, s'mores, hot cocoa, and -- of course -- Santa.
Wild Lights will be on display 5-9 p.m. Nov. 17-Jan. 14 (Santa will be at the Zoo through Dec. 23).
Advance registration is required for all Riverbanks members and guests. Tickets go on sale November 1; rates vary by night, starting at $20 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $15 for children ages 2-12. Children younger than 2 are free. In order to accommodate the new spectacle, Riverbanks will be adjusting operating hours. Beginning November 6, 2023, through January 14, 2024, Riverbanks will close daily at 4:00pm; the Zoo will reopen at 5:00pm each night of Wild Lights.