Wild Lights Detroit Zoo Information for 2025
The Detroit Zoo continues their holiday tradition with another season of Wild Lights. Guests can enjoy this even from November 23, 2024 until January 5, 2025. More than five million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings, and sculptures throughout the front half of the Detroit Zoo. Get your tickets online.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo 2025-26 Dates and Times
Guests of all ages can enjoy a relaxed walk through the Detroit Zoo’s magical holiday light displays, complete with festive entertainment and special seasonal activities. The Zoo closes at 4 pm daily and reopens at 5 pm on select evenings for Wild Lights. Most families spend about 90 minutes exploring the event.
Wild Lights runs on select nights from Saturday, November 22, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
- Fridays and Saturdays: 5 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sundays and select weeknights: 5 pm to 9 pm
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights Activities
Wild Lights transforms the Detroit Zoo into a glowing holiday adventure that families look forward to every year. Guests can stroll through more than seven acres filled with over 500 animal and nature-themed light sculptures, millions of twinkling LED lights and plenty of festive photo opportunities. Kids and adults alike will love the interactive Light Wall, where you can create your own glowing patterns, and the Living Wishing Tree, a magical spot that shimmers and reacts to movement. This year also features the Enchanted Rainforest, an illuminated canopy filled with colorful creatures and dynamic light scenes that feels like stepping into a holiday fairytale.
The popular Field of Light returns with a brilliant landscape of color-shifting displays set to music, and Toyland continues to be a guest favorite with life-sized lighted toys and a towering 40-foot train perfect for pictures. Along the way you’ll find glowing tunnels, sparkling trees, warming areas and plenty of cozy spots to enjoy cocoa and snacks. Wild Lights offers the perfect mix of dazzling displays and hands-on fun, making it one of Metro Detroit’s most magical holiday traditions for families.
Kids will love the Glo Playground, a mini light-up play area featuring glowing seesaws, swings and interactive elements
During your visit you can also get out of the cold, sit down, relax and enjoy a 4D movie. This years feature is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Wild Lights Detroit Zoo Concessions
Warm up along the trail with plenty of festive food and drink options available throughout Wild Lights. Families can enjoy seasonal favorites like hot cocoa, warm pretzels, popcorn and sweet treats, all conveniently located near major displays. One of the most popular offerings each year is the refillable Wild Lights souvenir cup, perfect for keeping your cocoa warm as you explore. Guests can purchase a keepsake cup and enjoy refills all night long, making it a great value for families with little cocoa lovers. Additional beverages, snacks and light bites are available at concession stands along the route, as well as inside designated warming areas where you can take a break from the cold.
For a heartier option, families can take advantage of the Dinner Buffet at Table 28, located inside the zoo. This all-you-can-eat experience includes unlimited festive comfort fare and makes for a warm break from the cold. Seating is first-come, first-served, and space is limited.
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights Prices
Ticket prices for Wild Lights vary by date, time and demand. All guests ages 2 and older require a ticket for entry.
Online Tickets: Prices typically range from $17 to $25, depending on the night and time slot.
Gate Price: $27 per person if tickets are purchased onsite.
Parking: $8 per vehicle
Member Parking: Free for Detroit Zoo members
Detroit Zoo members also receive 10% off Wild Lights general admission, making this a great time to take advantage of membership perks. A Zoo membership includes unlimited daytime admission, free parking, exclusive discount offers and reduced pricing for special ticketed events like Wild Lights.
Several ticket options and packages are available each season, including upgraded experiences and bundled add-ons such as the Total Experience package.
Additional Wild Lights Ticket Packages are available online.
Want to keep the holiday magic going? Make sure you check out Glenlore Trails!
Connect with the Detroit Zoo
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Brittany is a proud mom to two fun loving kiddos, Grayson and Audrey. With a passion for health and fitness, she’s a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who enjoys helping others lead active, enjoyable lives. When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Brittany, her husband, and her kids exploring Michigan’s vibrant scene of indoor play centers, parks, eateries, and events. Whether they’re discovering new hiking trails, celebrating local restaurant openings, or spending the afternoon at the cider mill, they’re always on the lookout for their next adventure. Brittany is passionate about sharing her family’s experiences to help other parents create lasting memories in Metro Detroit. You can follow along with her and her crew here @brittmilesxo.