Brighten Your Winter with Wild Lights

Wander into our enchanting, illuminated winter wonderland to explore the sights and sounds of Wild Lights, presented by Merrill L. Thomas Inc.: Thousands of lights transform our campus into a twinkling, family-friendly experience that is sure to become a holiday tradition for all. Bask in the glow of thousands of lights as you experience Wild Walk after dark. Then, stroll through Forest Music to surround yourself with immersive music and lights - curated specifically for the looped trail.

Details

What dates will Wild Lights be held?

• Fridays and Saturdays from November 28, 2025, to February 28, 2026
• Open every day during Winter Week (Dates TBD)
• Open every day during Presidents’ Week (Dates TBD)

What time can we visit?

• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What is there to do and see?

• Forest Music: Over 130 trees are wrapped in colorful lights that illuminate the forest and will transport you to a winter wonderland.  A new musical composition from Whatever Penny creates a magical, three-dimensional, dreamy winter soundscape
• Wild Walk: We’ve strung the award-winning Wild Walk in tens of thousands of lights so you can experience the outdoors like never before.  New winter installations provide Instagram-worthy photos and opportunities to create lifelong winter memories.
• Stickwork: Patrick Dougherty’s “Hopscotch” glows and provides an opportunity for your imagination to run wild.
• Indoors: Warm up inside with hot drinks, food, and an opportunity to check out the Living River Trail (otters included!). Interactive light-up pieces, like an oversized LiteBrite, provide fun for kids and a chance for old-school nostalgia for adults.

What is the price?

• Members
  • November 25 (Member Day): Free for All Members
  • November 26 to February 25: $5 for Adults, free for children under 18
• Non-Members
  • Adults $10, Youth $5, Children 4 and under are free

Please note: Wild Lights is not included with regular daytime (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Wild Center admission and must be purchased separately

Do I need to buy a ticket before arrival?

• Tickets are not required prior to arrival, but because of limited numbers, we anticipate sellouts. Pre-purchasing tickets also speed up the check-in process. More information and reservations.  

Are the trails clear of snow?

The Wild Center does minimal grooming of trails.  We recommend appropriate footwear during the wintery months.

Your eyes, and those of all little ones, will widen with delight and you'll feel the spirit of nature and the joy of the holiday season with friends and family gathered from near and far.

How can I enhance my visit?

A visit to Wild Lights is also the perfect time to enjoy the family-oriented community of Tupper Lake. Connect and discover new adventures on easily accessible snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski adventures, or try your hand at cool ice fishing! Local motels make the perfectly cozy basecamp for a stay that's full of fun, comfort, and classic Adirondack hospitality. Speaking of hospitality, our local restaurants have menus for all tastes, kid-friendly meals, cool drinks, and hearty fare to keep you fueled up for all kinds of family fun.

Wild Lights is presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc.

More information and reservations.