The Hattiesburg Zoo is welcoming the public to visit its nationally recognized Christmas-themed lights display this holiday season.
Selected as one of the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today in 2024, “Lights of the Wild” will feature super-sized animals, larger-than-life flowers and plants, and holiday-centered décor. The festivities will take place over 11 nights — Dec. 5-7, 12-14, and 19-23, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In addition to the zoo’s collection of lights, guests will also have the chance to enjoy “Story Time with Mrs. Claus” in the Asbury Discovery Center, photos with Santa in the Africa Pavilion, and animal encounters throughout the zoo, along with unlimited rides on the Northern Lights Express Train and Candy Cane Carousel. Numerous holiday treat stations will be located throughout the zoo and include holiday favorites and seasonal beverages.
A “Letters to Santa” station will be located in the Asbury Discovery Building, where children of all ages can write their wish lists and have them sent to Saint Nick for his consideration.
“Of course, getting their lists filled will depend on whether they are on the naughty or nice List,” officials with the Hattiesburg Zoo properly noted.
Despite south Mississippi’s usual lack of snowfall, there will be snow every night of the event, as an abundance of white flakes will fill the sky at the splash pad and at Mt. Everest. There will be a nightly ticket capacity limit, and ticket availability is not guaranteed at the gate. Lights of the Wild is an outdoor, rain or shine event, and tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets cost $18 at the gate and $16 online. Admission is free for children under 2 years of age. Online ticket sales end daily at 5:00 p.m. Season passes do not apply for this special event.
