Wild Lights: An Epic Holiday Event with Light Displays at the Detroit Zoo

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.

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.

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.

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

Ultimate Guide to the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights