Detroit Zoo Wild Lights

Experience the sights and sounds of the season at Wild Lights!

Wild Lights, the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday light show presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, receives glowing reviews from visitors who have made it a holiday tradition. Guests will enjoy nearly 500 festive displays featuring millions of twinkling LED lights illuminating buildings, trees, sculptures and a walk-through light tunnel!

New and enhanced experiences:

Field Of Light

Engage your senses as you watch lights move and change colors to the sounds of holiday music.

Underwater Trail

Dive into an underwater scene that takes you to the depths of the sea. At the trail end, you’ll encounter an interactive wall where you can trigger the ocean to move, sway and glow as you move your body.

Environmental Impact II Art Exhibition

See how art can make a difference for wildlife and wild places when you visit the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT II art exhibition inside the Ford Education Center. This traveling exhibition features art from 19 artists and highlights humans’ environmental impact. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT II is produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director, davidjwagnerllc.com.

Enchanted Trail

Stroll through a pathway illuminated by trees and animals as you follow a fairy flitting through the forest overhead. Join the fairy on her journey as the lights sparkle and shine around you.

Wild Lights favorites:

Toyland And Wishing Tree

Immerse yourself in this childhood wonderland featuring life-sized toy sculptures of light. Highlights include a 40-foot-long train, which serves as the perfect photo op for family and friends. Don’t forget to make your holiday wish at the wishing tree!

THE POLAR EXPRESS 4D Experience

Your guests are invited on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the SimEx-Iwerks 4D Version of the Holiday Classic!

Wild Lights Lodge

Warm up inside this festive oasis filled with holiday décor, live entertainment, bar service, s’mores and more!

Seasonal Treats And Eats

Get your fill of the tastes of the season! Hot cocoa, warm pretzels, kettle corn, Dippin Dots and other festive favorites will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your souvenir hot cocoa cup to keep you warm throughout the event.

This outdoor event is limited to the front half of the Zoo. There will be no access to animal habitats during your Wild Lights experience. All guests ages 2 and older require a ticket for entry. Member discounts do not apply to this event. Wild Lights is hosted in rain, snow or shine.

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