The Detroit Zoo’s annual event, Wild Lights, is presented by Corewell Health Children’s and has been around for more than a decade. Families will be able to stroll through the zoo listening to holiday music and seeing millions of twinkling LED lights.
This winter wonderland is a great event for all ages. Bring a stroller or wagon for your little ones because there is so much to see. Be sure to dress for the weather and take advantage of the warming stations and hot chocolate (available to purchase) to warm you up while you’re there.
Purchase tickets in advance for a lower cost and to make sure you can attend the date you want before it sells out.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
- Dates: 23-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 12-23, 26-31; Jan. 2-5
- Address: 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Hours: 5-10:30 p.m. select Fridays-Saturdays and 5-9 p.m. select weekdays and Sundays
- Cost: Wild Lights Admission: $17-$26; Zoo + Lights Package: $30-$38; Picnic Package: $46-$55; Total Experience Package: $66-$75; $8/parking
Look on the Detroit Zoo’s website at each of the different packages when purchasing tickets to see what each one includes to pick the best choice for your family.
Things to do at Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
- Check out the enchanted trail, field of lights, an interactive wishing tree and millions of twinkling lights throughout the zoo.
- See Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D inside the zoo’s 4D theater.
- Warm up at the Wild Lights Lodge. It features s’mores, a full bar, live entertainment and more.
- View the Art Exhibition: Among the Living: Wildlife Photography of Guadalupe Laiz, which is open every evening during Wild Lights.
- Take your kids to play on life-sized toy sculptures or bring snowflakes to life with the interactive stepping tones.
- Enjoy seasonal eats, drinks and sweets, which will be available to purchase throughout the zoo.
- Bring your new mittens and gloves to donate to Mittens for Detroit. There will be colorful collection boxes set up for you to donate during Wild Lights.
- Take plenty of family photos along the way! Santa will also be available for photos from 5-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 5-9 p.m. all other event dates through Dec. 23, 2024.
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