What a better way to ring in the holiday season than with the splendor of “Lights of the Wild” at the Hattiesburg Zoo. This year the Zoo has added more than 500 new holiday-themed lanterns to its current collection of beautiful and exotic lanterns that showcase the diverse wildlife and flora found around the world.
“Lights of the Wild” will take place December 2nd – 4th, 9th – 11th and 16th – 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets for this special event at the Zoo for the dates of December 17th through the 23rd will cost $18 per person. Discounted ticket rates are available for December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th at a cost of $14 per person. Children under the age of 2 are free.
“Lights of the Wild” features dazzling displays of lanterns highlighting life-sized animals, larger than life plants and Holiday décor. 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 Candy Cane Carousel throughout the evening. Numerous holiday treat stations will be located throughout the Zoo, including the Claus Family Chocolate Station, Camp Capybara’s Roasted Marshmallows, Peppermint’s Pop Corn, Donner’s Dogs, Blitzen’s Bar at the Peppermint Patio and dinner fare at Ladha’s Cantina will be served throughout the evening.
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.
“Lights of the Wild” is an outdoor, rain or shine event and tickets are non-refundable. If the Hattiesburg Zoo cancels any night of “Lights of the Wild” due to dangerous weather conditions, notification will be posted on the Hattiesburg Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and tickets for that night will be honored on alternate nights of the event. Annual Passes do not apply.
