PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Wild Lights, the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday light display presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, receives glowing reviews each year by visitors who have made it a holiday tradition. 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.

“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, sponsored by Key Bank, 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.

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.

Wild Lights is also sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Michigan, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, Grays Outdoor Services, KinderCare, Kroger, Metro by T-Mobile, Prairie Farms, Rainbow Child Care Center, Royal Oak Ford, The Home Depot and Topgolf. Visit https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights for information and tickets.