Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

The Christmas season is upon us, and if you are like me and love this time of year, you are looking for ways to celebrate the holiday while entertaining your family. You could drive around your neighborhood and admire your neighbors’ ingenuity and creativity, like Clark Griswold, or make an evening of it by visiting spectacular Christmas drive-thru light displays. However, if you are looking for something unique, the Detroit Zoo has a fantastic holiday event for your entire family. The Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo offers a magical display of lights and sounds that the whole family will enjoy.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo Schedule

The dazzling Wild Lights start after the Zoo closes on select weeknights and weekends from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., through January 4th. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 10:30 p.m. Tickets are scheduled every 30 minutes. Make sure to arrive on time for your entrance.

I booked a 5 p.m. slot, and it was a little too bright for taking good photos. However, it did get darker soon after I entered the zoo. It takes approximately an hour to complete the Wild Lights loop, which is only in the front half of the zoo. Remember that the event will go on rain or snow, so dress appropriately, as it is an entirely outdoor event. Note: There will be no access to see animals during the event.

How Do I Get Tickets for Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo?

You can purchase tickets online here. It is recommended to buy your tickets in advance as the event can and will sell out. Reservations are limited because the zoo limits capacity to 1,600 guests (only 800 at a time) to maintain social distancing. When you get to the zoo, make sure to bring your parking pass to the gate with your ticket. Also, don’t forget to get your family photo done at the gate. You will be able to see your picture later when you leave. 

Ticket prices range from $17 to $27 for anyone over 2 years old. The parking fee is $8 per car. There are extra add-ons if you are interested, such as a dinner buffet at Table 28, souvenir cups, Glow-with-the-Show lanyards that interact with the musical displays, carousel rides, and tickets for a holiday short movie at the 4D Theater.

Helpful Hint: If you try and get a general ticket for a particular day and it is sold out. Check into the costs of becoming a Detroit Zoological Society Member. A portion of the tickets is reserved exclusively for Members, so you might be able to get the day or time you want. This is what I ended up doing to secure a Friday night Wild Lights ticket. But I love visiting the Detroit Zoo and plan to visit more often in the coming years.

Animal Sculptures

Over five million lights, covering buildings, trees, and over 500 animal sculptures, await your family in the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo. When you walk into the zoo, the first light display you see is the Butterfly Garden. The bright, colorful butterflies are scattered throughout the garden, their wings fluttering. You might even see a few flying in the trees. Make sure to look at the top of the Penguin House to watch a video tribute to all the animals at the zoo and around the world. 

As you head to the zoo’s central area, more trees will be decoratively lit, and you will start to see animal sculptures based on areas of the zoo. You will see groupings of animals, such as reptiles, safari animals (including rhinos, camels, and elephants), polar bears, flamingos, woodland creatures, and, lastly, underwater animals. Besides the animal sculptures, there are timed musical areas with sticks that change color to the music and even musical trees further in the zoo. Make sure to stop and listen to a song or tune, and marvel at how everything is in sync.

Photo Opportunities

There are several photo opportunities throughout the zoo. There are oversized ornaments in the fountain area for you and your family to get your photo taken. Just remember to give each other space and not crowd up at the ornament while waiting in line. Other areas to take pictures are with the cute painted barriers around the zoo. They are blocking the paths to make sure you stay in the loop, but they are all distinct and have lovely Christmas scenes like the Polar Express, snowmen, and Nutcracker soldiers, which would be great backgrounds for kids’ photos. You can even get a photo with Santa.  

Snacks & Drinks

While there is no indoor dining available, there are options for you to get snacks or drinks while you are at the Wild Lights event. Restaurants offering food are Buddy’s Pizza, American Coney Island, and you can pick up coffee at The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. All of these have places for you to sit outside. Other food options are at the Winter Grille, which has burgers, hot dogs, and roasted nuts. You can also get Pretzels and Funnel Cakes at the other snack stations around the zoo. I walked around the loop, crossed back to pick up a Pretzel, then walked it all over again.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo is a marvelous, family fun-filled evening out with Christmas tunes, animal sculptures lit up, and more Christmas lights than you know where to look. Come and see the explosion of colors while singing along to your favorite holiday song, all at the magical Wild Lights! Don’t you love the holiday season!