Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
Visitors stroll through millions of sparkling LED lights showcasing over 500 animal- and nature-themed displays along the front half of the zoo. Guests can enjoy interactive attractions such as glowing swings, a giant light bright wall, a musical Stepping Tones floor, and an immersive walk-through light tunnel. The holiday trail also features fire pits for roasting s'mores, visits with Santa Claus, and select open habitats including river otters and beavers.
What to Expect
Millions of LED lights and 500+ animal-themed displays at Detroit Zoo.
Event Details
Duration
The 4D film experience is 15 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Royal Oak
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Detroit Zoological Society
Food & Drink
Food and drinks are available throughout the Zoo; s’mores are an additional purchase, and the 21+ Igloo offers adult hot chocolate, drinks and passed appetizers.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: General admission: $17-$25; members $15.30-$22.50; at the gate $27 ($24 for members). Ticket required for all guests 2+. Ticket prices may vary by date, time and demand. Total Experience package: $60; members $54; at the gate $65 ($58 for members). Group sales for groups of 20 or more: $14-$22; Total Experience $57; at the gate $27 ($65 for Total Experience). 21+ VIP Igloo Experience: $40 online ($50 at the gate); members $36 online ($45 at the gate); two drinks, passed appetizers and hot chocolate bar included; online purchase only, ID required, ages 21+, nightly capacity limited. Add-on prices: Igloo access $23; souvenir cup with unlimited cocoa refills $15; Glow-with-the-Show lanyard $14; Wild Explorer VR $8 general admission / $7 members; 4D Theater $6; Carousel ride $3. Total Experience includes a complimentary Carousel ride, fast-pass 4D Theater admission, complimentary Wild Explorer VR ride, souvenir cup with unlimited cocoa refills, a food voucher for a slice of pizza or burger, and parking. Member discount applies to admission only, not add-ons. Zoo members save 10% on general admission and get free parking. – Get tickets
- Hours: Fridays and Saturdays: 5 – 10:30 p.m.; all other nights (plus January dates): 5 – 9 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is $8 per vehicle. Parking is included with the Total Experience package. Zoo members get free parking.
- Accessibility: Flashing lights may not suit guests with light sensitivity or epilepsy.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online ahead of time, because Wild Lights sells fast and online prices beat the gate price every night.
- Wear layers for a Michigan winter evening and warm up at the fire pits, Table 28, Woodward Slice or select indoor habitats.
- Bring your Glow-with-the-Show lanyard from last year, since you can use it again free of charge and replacement batteries are available.
- Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots to the Zoo Shop through Dec. 18, or new mittens or gloves for Mittens for Detroit.
- Add Wild Lights admission to your cart first, because the Igloo and other add-ons only unlock after admission is selected.
Special Events & Promotions
- New 21+ Igloo lounge with live music every Friday and Saturday. Separate ticket or add-on, ID required, limited nightly capacity.
- New this year: the eastern part of the Erb Discovery Trails is lit up, with glowing swings, a giant light bright wall and a light-up teeter-totter.
- New Color, Fly, Butterfly art exhibition at the Ford Education Center: color your own butterfly and watch it come alive.
- New Wild Explorer VR holiday adventure (Polar Odyssey or Elf Power), extra fee or included with the Total Experience.
- Zoo members save 10% on general admission and park free. The discount doesn't apply to add-ons.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we see any animals during Wild Lights?
Some of them. Selected habitats along the route are open, including the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat and the Jane and Frank Warchol Beaver Habitat. The back half of the Zoo is closed for the evening, and most animals are off view.
What should I wear?
Wear layers for a Michigan winter evening. Fire pits, Table 28, Woodward Slice and select indoor habitats make good warm-up stops along the way.
Is there anything just for adults?
Yes, the Igloo is a heated 21+ lounge. It has alcoholic drinks, private fire pits, passed appetizers, a hot chocolate bar and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. It needs a separate ticket or add-on, and IDs are checked at the door. The rest of Wild Lights is for all ages.
What comes with the Total Experience package?
You get a free Carousel ride, fast-pass 4D Theater admission, a Wild Explorer VR ride and a souvenir cup with unlimited cocoa refills. It also includes a food voucher for a slice of pizza or a burger, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, and parking.
Can I propose at Wild Lights?
Yes. Fill out the proposal form at least a week before your chosen date, and a deposit is required. Your booking isn't set until you confirm after the first submission. Dates and time slots go first come, first served.
More Christmas Events Near Royal Oak
More Christmas Events near Royal Oak
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.