Dazzling 'Wild Lights' Display Is Back At The Detroit Zoo

wild lights at the Detroit Zoo
Photo credit (Photo: Detroit Zoo)

(WWJ) It's a holiday tradition with glowing reviews! Wild Lights is back at the Detroit Zoo.

Now through January 5, 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.

The 7th season of Wild Lights takes place on the following evenings:

  • November 22-24 & 29-30, 2019
  • December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 19-23 & 26-31, 2019
  • January 2-5, 2020

The hours are weeknights and Sundays 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

You'll probably want to purchase your tickets online ahead of time, to save some money. Tickets are $11-$18 in advance – depending on the the hour and day – and $19 at the gate for guests ages 2 and older (kids under 2 get in free). Parking is $8 per vehicle. 

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. Guests can take a spin on the Winter Rink and the Carousel for an additional cost.

Wild Lights 2018

In addition, “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.” 

There's also a special Winter Rink Package. Tickets at $18-$25 online in advance and $26 at the gate admission to Wild Lights and one skating session.

New to Wild Lights this year is 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, with tickets at $29-$36 available online in advance, and for $37 at main admissions the night of the event (this include Wild Lights admission).

While the Reptile Conservation Center, River Otter and Beaver habitats will be open during Wild Lights, the remainder of the animal habitats and buildings will be closed during the event. Guests should note that the Polk Penguin Conservation Center remains closed for repairs. It's expected to reopen in mid-June 2020 

To get your tickets, visit this link. For complete Zoo information, visit detroitzoo.org or call 248-541-5717.