November 27, 2026 through February 20, 2027

Fridays & Saturdays

Wander into our enchanting, illuminated, winter wonderland to explore the sights and sounds of Wild Lights, presented by J. Salamy Carpentry. Thousands of lights transform our campus into a twinkling, family-friendly experience that is sure to become a holiday tradition for North Country families. 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.

> Visit > Wild Lights

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket $15
Youth Ticket (5-17) $10
Age 4 and Under Free
Members $10 Adults | $5 Youth

Tickets

Map of The Wild Center and surrounding area

Directions

45 Museum Drive
Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Get detailed directions

Dates & Times

Wild Lights returns on November 27, 2026 and is held on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 8 pm through February 20, 2027.

Wild Lights is also open nightly during Holiday Week, December 26 to December 31, and open nightly during Winter Week, February 12 to February 20.
CLOSED on DECEMBER 25 and JANUARY 1

What Else?

Colorful photo ops, synchronized light experiences, and cozy amenities like hot cocoa and s'mores by the fire!

Add a little Wild Lights magic to your photos! Try out our Snapchat filter and bring the glow of Wild Lights to your stories. Check it out here!

tickets

A Winter Soundtrack

Beginning November 27, Wild Lights will bring back Eric Sturr & Co.'s Watershed. This collection of jazz sketches evokes the easy and peaceful calm of a winter day. Just as the Tupper Lake Watershed exists as the bedrock for so much of the Adirondack region, the winter holiday season serves as a collection of watershed moments for so many.

Legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans had a knack for cleverly naming his compositions as dedications to the people in his life. As a tongue-in-cheek tribute to a musician who has had a huge influence on Sturr, Watershed's song titles are all named after folks who have directly and indirectly contributed to this album.

Watershed was more directly influenced by another well-known jazz pianist: Vince Guaraldi. A late summer e-mail inspired a week of solitude of sketching out this collection of 5 tunes.

<a href="https://ericsturr.bandcamp.com/album/watershed">watershed by eric sturr &amp; co.</a>

Credits
All songs written by Eric Sturr
Piano - Eric Sturr
Trumpet - Eric Sturr
Trombone - Ryan Haupt
Upright bass - Nate White
Drums - Chris Bouvier
Mixing - Eric Sturr and Tim Segado
Mastering - Tim Segado

Prepare for the Trails

Wild Lights is an outdoor walking experience, and Adirondack winter nights can bring snow, ice, and changing trail conditions. To enjoy the glow comfortably, come prepared:

Sturdy, waterproof footwear. Insulated winter boots with good tread are best for snowy or slick paths.
Traction devices. Slip-on cleats or microspikes add grip on icy trail sections.
Walking sticks or trekking poles. They give extra stability on uneven or snow-covered ground.
Warm layers. Hats, gloves, scarves, and a warm coat will keep you cozy as temperatures drop after dark.

Trail conditions can change from night to night, so check the forecast before you head out and dress for the weather. A little preparation means more time looking up at the lights and less time watching your step.

Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve my visit? Can I purchase tickets when I arrive?

Reserving tickets is not required, but is highly encouraged as it speeds up the check-in process upon arrival. Tickets can be purchased for specific dates through our online reservation system. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (518) 359-7800.

What are the trails like?

The trails that make up the Wild Lights experience are similar to any walking or hiking trails you might find in the Adirondacks. Trails are lined with safety lighting, but we recommend flashlights or headlamps in certain sections. Weather conditions can also be unpredictable. We suggest bringing traction devices or walking sticks just in case.

What will I experience?

An enchanting, illuminated, winter wonderland! Thousands of lights transform our campus after dark into a twinkling, family-friendly experience outside. Don’t miss Wild Walk, Stickwork, immersive sound experience in Forest Music, lit archways in the parking lot, cozy fire pits and Adirondack chairs on the patio, and warm up inside with hot cocoa while exploring exhibits.

Can I bring my dog?

Although we love pets, we do not allow dogs on our campus during open hours unless they are service dogs.

How accessible are the trails?

Typically, our trails are accessible by wheelchair, stroller, wagon, walker, power scooter, etc. That said, because of the unpredictable weather this time of year, we cannot guarantee that the trails we utilize for Wild Lights will be accessible. They are minimally maintained so large amounts of snowfall and ice may affect how passable they are.

How much walking is involved?

There are two large areas for Wild Lights. The Forest Music trail (multicolor lights and immersive music) is ¼ mile and can be done in 15-20 minutes. Wild Walk and Stickwork are in the same area and are relatively short walks. Add in walking from the parking lot and spending a little time indoors and the total walk is a little under a mile and can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes.

Wild Lights