Ultimate Guide to the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights
Imagine strolling with loved ones through millions of twinkling lights, beside towering animal sculptures, to a field of festive glow! Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo is back, ready to brighten your nights with dazzling displays and whimsical surprises that only get better each year. Presented by Corewell Health Children’s, this cherished holiday event has captivated Detroit for over a decade, drawing families and friends from Michigan and beyond to share in the magic of millions of holiday illuminations. From awe-inspiring light tunnels to cozy warming stations, we’re divulging insider tips to help you make the most of your visit, including top attractions, ticket options, and answers to your FAQs!
Event Dates & Ticket Information
Choose from 30 nights of lights running from November to January:
November 2024: 23, 24, 29, 30
December 2024: 1, 6-8, 12-23, 26-31
January 2025: 2-5
Ticket Packages:
Wild Lights offers flexible ticket packages for every type of visit, ranging in price from $17 to $70. Ticket prices vary by date, time, and demand, so booking early online is recommended to secure the best rate! Choose from four tiered Wild Lights packages to find the perfect experience for your group:
Wild Lights Admission: Access to Wild Lights and the Guadalupe Laiz wildlife photography exhibition.
Zoo + Lights Package: Enjoy Wild Lights at night and daytime access to the zoo, a cup of hot cocoa in a keepsake cup, and access to the Guadalupe Laiz wildlife photography exhibition.
Picnic Package: Wild Lights admission, an endless food buffet with exclusive access to the Polar Patio at Table 28 for cozy eats and warming, plus unlimited hot cocoa in a keepsake cup, and access to the Guadalupe Laiz wildlife photography exhibition.
Total Experience Package: This VIP package includes admission to Wild Lights, a carousel ride, a holiday film screening in 4D, an endless food buffet with exclusive access to the Polar Patio at Table 28 for cozy eats and warming, plus unlimited hot cocoa in a keepsake cup, and access to the Guadalupe Laiz wildlife photography exhibition.
![A group walks down a paved path at Detroit Zoo lit with colorful holiday light displays, installations, and decor.](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=42392da51cd33508b0cf52e4a8e778a6 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ce63eeb4b906cdea4162e68c24f9fbc3 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c3990507cc08d7f4860b4e7e3cb0ac8a 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=de0f8c2cc1a2cdc7093ed667b0b1fa22 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=924fdd74bb40a188cfea608a20cd9551 1200w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=cf500074c3b5bc6a2186485e078464c9 1440w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0971cadd4b9f94dd8c93249c6658a61c 1920w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=c34249b185530b9873b7049eb909d24e 2560w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_Lights_2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=3e1f5e41ce22aea1fef57be07136c8cc 3840w)
Top Attractions at Wild Lights
Wild Lights is designed to be a visual feast, with attractions and displays that capture the holiday spirit and celebrate the zoo’s animals and habitats.
Interactive Wishing Tree: Share your holiday wishes with a glowing, interactive tree.
Warming Stations with Live Entertainment: Take a break and cozy up while enjoying live performances.
Enchanted Trail: A journey through a captivating light pathway lined with glowing trees and a fairy floating overhead to create the perfect photo op.
4D Theater featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Catch a seasonal classic in immersive 4D.
Among the Living: Wildlife Photography Exhibit by Guadalupe Laiz: Visit an exclusive art gallery, open every night during Wild Lights, and view stunning photography for wildlife conservation.
Toyland and Stepping Tones: A child’s wonderland complete with playful displays and interactive stepping tones perfect for younger visitors.
Field of Light: Take in a vibrant display where colors pulse and change in harmony with festive music.
Wild Lights Lodge: Stop by the full bar, roast s’mores, capture photos amidst the holiday decor, and take in live entertainment!
![A group of women and toddlers huddled together smiling while glowing in the light of Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights.](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ba595f3e5953913110575f2422cdb1c3 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=1821ed4d6652e970d312e89258c0f1ac 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=309c069c2cd87e89fc2ec031353eb727 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=46bbb09970a1771933f807df379667fd 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5ae7319563867b7c7943b695a0991882 1200w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=98fb054ff0e96e8c4a0a27830d4177e4 1440w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ed07e4e115ce019c87b2ef3530f80ac7 1920w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=470b8c2177e9c2e9a69a04dfc3a6fb17 2560w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_WarmingStation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=466fd9784fca4c31910947c017f789e2 3840w)
Family Activities & Festive Dining
Santa Sightings: Santa Claus is set to make appearances at Wild Lights for photos from 5–10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5–9 p.m. on all other dates through December 23.
Dining: Savor festive drinks, treats, and snacks, all available for purchase to warm you up on your evening stroll. The Polar Patio’s menu features filling options like Angus Cheeseburgers, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Macaroni and Cheese, and Brownies!
![A toddler sits on a lit up, green seesaw with colorful illuminated trees behind him in the Toyland section at Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights holiday event.](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=68503d1cdd939f4e0f20f7a2a176876a 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3766771bf9b7b4e93033b490cd626a0b 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fbe1a57d646f6524d0b532cce80292b3 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=95d8fa4243ce14fbb65ef1498b4d2ea4 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3817f784ca44b79ca5701c72c959ebb7 1200w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=40d46e950dd5c8478388568a97b2ba13 1440w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8bf214806d5f3e3e6a6c472e363b4fbf 1920w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=520027b8222e1647df7a4fd0df9965a5 2560w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/DZ_WildLights_ToyLand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=adf546520f7322144240b173776f4d8d 3840w)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo start?
Wild Lights opens on November 23, 2024, and runs on select dates through January 5, 2025.
How long does Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo take?
Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the light displays, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Where can I buy tickets for Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo?
Tickets are available exclusively online at the Detroit Zoo website. Buy early to secure the best rates, as prices may increase closer to the date.
Is Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo a family-friendly event?
Absolutely! Wild Lights is perfect for visitors of all ages, with interactive displays, kid-friendly activities, and festive snacks.
What should I wear to Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo?
Dress warmly! This outdoor event requires layers, especially on colder nights. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
With over 500 dazzling displays, festive activities for all ages, and countless photo-worthy moments, Wild Lights offers an enchanting holiday experience. Whether you’re wandering through a sea of sparkling lights, sharing a magical moment under the wishing tree, or warming up with a cup of cocoa as holiday tunes fill the air, every step is an invitation to celebrate the season’s wonder. Gather your loved ones, embrace the joy of the holidays, and make memories to last a lifetime. Book your tickets now and get ready to be spellbound at the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights—where winter magic comes alive!
*This blog post is sponsored by the Detroit Zoo
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