PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

The Detroit Zoo will light up the night this holiday season with Wild Lights, its annual light display presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions. More than five million twinkling LED lights will brighten the evening sky and illuminate buildings, trees and 265 sculptures – more than 220 of which are animals – throughout the front half of the Zoo.

Now in its sixth year, Wild Lights will be held Nov. 17-18, 23-25 and 30 and Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 20-23 and 26-31, 2018. Tickets are $11-$17 in advance – based on the hour and day – and $17 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 admission 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 ice carving and choral performances on select nights. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, highlighting some of the world’s most spectacular photography, is included with admission.

“The Polar Express 4-D Experience” will be showing at the Wild Adventure Zone’s 4-D Theater for $5 with admission. A Polar Package is available for $16-$22 that includes admission to Wild Lights and “The Polar Express”.

Guests can take a spin on the Winter Rink and the Carousel for an additional cost. Seasonal refreshments, holiday spirits, Wild Lights souvenirs and zoo-themed holiday gifts will also be available for purchase. New this year, Buddy’s Pizza will be open every night of Wild Lights, including the rooftop terrace – weather permitting – which provides the highest vantage point in the Zoo from which to see the lights.

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.

Wild Lights is also sponsored by 360Rize, Bluewater, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, Kroger and Royal Oak Ford. Visit https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights for information and tickets.