Seasonal & Holidays
Detroit Zoo Aglow With Wild Lights Event
The annual tradition lights up the Detroit Zoo with more than 5 million twinkling LEDs and nearly 300 sculptures.

ROYAL OAK, MI — Wild Lights, the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday light display receives glowing reviews each year by visitors who have made it a holiday tradition and it's right around the corner. Starting November 16, more than 5 million twinkling LED lights will brighten the evening sky and illuminate buildings, trees and 280 sculptures – more than 230 of which are animals, including never-before-seen foxes, sea lions, a blue heron and a giraffe – throughout the front half of the Zoo.
Now in its seventh year, Wild Lights will be held November 16-17, 22-24 and 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 19-23 and 26-31, 2019, and January 2-5, 2020. Tickets are $11-$18 in advance – based on the hour and day – and $19 at the gate for guests ages 2 and older (children under 2 are admitted free); parking is $8. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. A limited number of tickets are also available at all Michigan Kroger stores.
Wild Lights guests can take in the lights and sights while enjoying holiday entertainment and activities, including choral performances on select nights as well as Scientists Sundays. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, showcasing some of the world’s most spectacular photography, is included with admission.
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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D” will be showing at the Wild Adventure Zone’s 4-D Theater for $5 with admission. A Rudolph Package is available for $16-$23 in advance online or $24 at the gate that includes admission to Wild Lights and “Rudolph”. Guests can also take a spin on the Winter Rink and the Carousel for an additional cost.
New this year is the addition of the Polar Patio, a festively decorated outdoor private dining area with complimentary food and dessert, hot cocoa served in a souvenir cup and a cash bar. Only 175 seats will be sold per night; tickets are $29-$36 online in advance and $37 at main admissions the night of the event and include Wild Lights admission.
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The Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat and Jane and Frank Warchol Beaver Habitat will be open during Wild Lights; the remainder of the animal habitats and buildings will be closed during the event.
Visit http://www.detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights for information and tickets.
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