Wild Lights

Wild Lights Opens November 28, 2025

Wander into our enchanting, illuminated, winter wonderland to explore the sights and sounds of Wild Lights. 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.

Ticket Prices

  • Adult Ticket $12
  • Youth Ticket (5-17) $7
  • Age 4 and Under Free
  • Members $7 Adults | $2 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 28, 2025 and is held on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 8pm.

Wild Lights is also open nighly during Holiday Week, December 26 to December 31, and open nightly during Winter Week from February 13 to February 21.

What's New?

Interactive projection art from Echo, 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 brand-new Instagram filter and bring the glow of Wild Lights to your stories. Check it out here!
Projection art from Echo

A New Winter Soundtrack

Beginning November 28, Wild Lights will premiere 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.

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

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.

Do you have EV charging stations?

Yes, The Wild Center has two electric vehicle charging stations located near the Wild Walk kiosk. We also have special, conveniently located parking spots for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Thank you to our sponsors

Luminosity Sponsor

The Reynolds Group

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.