Winter Wonderlights is an outdoor light show experience that will fill the Greensboro Science Center’s zoo with shimmering lights, brilliant colors, and joyful sounds of the season.

About Winter Wonderlights

The Greensboro Science Center has opened the first holiday light show for Greensboro with Winter Wonderlights. As a new addition to the science center, this attraction gives local visitors a holiday zoo light experience like never before. Through interactive displays of bright colorful Christmas lights and playful exhibits, families can explore 12 “magical realms” of holiday-themed attractions. The holiday walk-through display features bold Christmas lights, music and games, and is designed for social distancing. The Science Center and sponsors invested $1.6 million in GES designs, lights, installation, and marketing.

Upon entry to the Science Center, the event begins indoors. The two indoor exhibits inside include Wishes for the World and the Snow Globe Theater. The Wishes for the World exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to write down any wishes they have for the world. The exhibit is full of colorfully wrapped Christmas presents and bright vibrant Christmas trees, where guests have the opportunity to hang their wishes once they are completed. The Snow Globe Theater has an animated showing of penguins singing various Christmas carols to entertain guests. The Greensboro Opera has also participated in virtually singing carols throughout the halls for guests to enjoy while heading to the outdoor portion of the event. The halls are well lit with Christmas lights and decor and large candy canes wrapped Christmas presents, as well as Christmas wreaths and trees.

Winter Wonderlights Location

Winter Wonderlights takes place at:

Greensboro Science Center
4301 Lawndale Dr
Greensboro, NC 27455

Winter Wonderlights Attractions

Interactive Zones

  • Dancing Fountains
  • Polar Pond
  • Snowball Surprise
    • Featuring interactive light shows
  • Sweet Celebrations

Forest Trail Zones

  • Wild Walk
  • Starry Night
  • Forest of Light

Fun Zones

  • Wintry Welcome
    • The Wintry Welcome includes artificial snow as well as food and souvenir vendors for all to enjoy.
  • Festive Fun Zone
    • The Festive Fun Zone includes interactive lily pads that change colors right under your feet each time they are stepped on.
  • Peppermint Path
    • The Peppermint Path leads visitors on a trail with well-lit projections of interactive peppermint swirls and large candy canes leading them to meet Santa and make their wishes.
  • Treehouse Lights
    • The new treehouse exhibits with string lights and displays.
  • Dino Disco

Bonus Zones

  • Carousel Dreams
    • Ride a Greensboro Grasshopper, Dinosaur, or a traditionally decorated horse at the Greensboro Rotary Carousel. It’s perfect for the young and the young at heart to ride. The Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel is the largest carousel in the state.

Winter Wonderlights Admission

Regular Admission

Greensboro Science Center Members:

  • Adults (ages 14 – 64): $20.50
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $14.50
  • Children (ages 3 – 13): $14.50
  • Children 2 and Under: FREE

GSC members, be sure to log in to receive your discounted tickets!

Non-Members:

  • Adults (ages 14 – 64): $24.50
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $16.50
  • Children (ages 3 – 13): $16.50
  • Children 2 and Under: FREE

Group rate (for groups of 15+ paying individuals)

  • $16.50 per person

Discount Day Admission

Greensboro Science Center Members:

  • Adults (ages 14 – 64): $18.00
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $12.00
  • Children (ages 3 – 13): $12.00
  • Children 2 and Under: FREE

GSC members, be sure to log in to receive your discounted tickets.

Non-Members:

  • Adults (ages 14 – 64): $22.00
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $14.00
  • Children (ages 3 – 13): $14.00
  • Children 2 and Under: FREE

Group rate (for groups of 15+ paying individuals)

  • $14.00 per person

Wild Wednesday Admission

  • Adults (ages 14 – 64): $15.00

 

Prices are subject to change. To see the detailed admission rates and to buy tickets, click here

Winter Wonderlights FAQs

  • I’m running late and won’t arrive by the time on my ticket! Can I still get in?
    • Yes, we will allow you to enter at a later time.
  • Can I check-in earlier than my scheduled time?
    • Please plan to check in no more than 5 – 10 minutes before your scheduled time. This will create a more enjoyable time for all of our guests by minimizing wait times and maximizing views and experiences.
  • Can I buy tickets on-site?
    • Yes, tickets can be purchased on-site, but online purchases are strongly encouraged for a seamless and efficient check-in experience. Ticket sales end two hours before closing.
  • In the event of bad weather, can I get a refund?
    • This is a rain or shine event. If the event is canceled by the Greensboro Science Center due to extreme weather causing unsafe conditions, power outage, etc, an alternative date will be offered. Refunds will not be given. If you are unable to attend, please consider your admission a donation to the Greensboro Science Center.
  • What should I wear?
    • This event is indoor/outdoor – with most of the event taking place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Coat/umbrella checks are not available.
  • Will the animals be out?
    • Animals will not be on exhibit during this event.
  • Can I bring my own food/drinks?
    • Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase throughout the event.
  • What food will be available?
    • On-site food options include Meerkat Café food tents, featuring hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies.
  • Where do I park?
    • Parking is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • I left something in my car! Can I leave and come back?
    • Yes, please see a guest services associate receive a hand stamp to show upon reentry.
  • What are your COVID-19 safety precautions?
    • We will continue to abide by all local and state mandates while following the best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Our current guidelines can be found on the homepage of our website. We will continue to update this information as the situation changes. Please check back regularly to see the most up-to-date guidelines.

Winter Wonderlights Gallery

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