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On Zoo Boo dates (Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25), regular Zoo hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Zoo will reopen from 3-8:30 p.m. for the event. A separate Zoo Boo ticket is required.

Construction is ongoing along key routes to the Zoo. Before you head out, check MI Drive for current conditions and consider an alternate route if needed.

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polar-beers

Polar Beers 2026

Dec. 3 | 6:30 – 10 p.m. | 6 p.m. VIP entry

This 21+ holiday event pairs craft brews with millions of Wild Lights. 

$35.00 - $95.00
Tickets from $35 | Members Save 10%
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Double Your Holiday Cheer

This isn’t your average holiday happy hour. Polar Beers, presented by KeyBank, is your 21+ ticket into Wild Lights, one of Detroit’s biggest light shows, with craft beer, cider, seltzer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages poured throughout. Don your best ugly sweater — this vibe only happens once a year.

Grab your tickets before they’re gone.

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Double Your Holiday Cheer

What to Expect at Polar Beers 2026

  • 100+ seasonal craft brews, specialty drinks and non-alcoholic pours
  • Access to the Detroit Zoo’s spectacular Wild Lights trail (front half of the Zoo only)
  • A complimentary welcome drink from Griffin Claw Brewing
  • Holiday photo ops and twinkling backdrops
  • Free carousel rides until 9:30 p.m.
  • A VIP* Lounge with included food, plus a commemorative gift
  • Cozy fire pits, warming stations and classic holiday tunes to set the mood
  • A Connection Station and zookeeper chats to learn more about our mission and the animals who call the Zoo home

Polar Beers takes place in the front half of the Zoo. To protect the well-being of the animals, the back half of the Zoo and its habitats will be closed for the evening.  

*Additional purchase

What’s New This Year

  • We’re moving the event a half-hour forward from last year! VIP entry now starts at 6 p.m., and General Admission begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Erb Discovery Trails. Sip your way through the newly illuminated eastern portion of Fred & Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, including access to Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove* until 8 p.m. and the Wild Explorer VR* experience.
  • Art Exhibition: Color, Fly, Butterfly. Color your own butterfly and watch your creation come alive in this immersive art experience at the Ford Education Center.

Polar Beers takes place in the front half of the Zoo. To protect the well-being of the animals, the back half of the Zoo and its habitats will be closed for the evening.  

*Additional purchase

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Polar Beers 2026 Tickets

General Admission

$55 | Members $49.50

  • Admission to the Zoo & Wild Lights.
  • 10 3 oz. beverage tastings.
  • Food available for purchase.
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VIP

$95 | Members $85.50

  • All the same features as the GA ticket.
  • Early admission to the Zoo at 6 p.m.
  • 14 3 oz. beverage tastings.
  • An exclusive commemorative gift.
  • Access to the VIP Lounge with included food (ends at 8:30 p.m.)
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Designated Driver (DD)

$35 | Members $31.50

  • Admission to the Zoo.
  • Unlimited soft drinks.
  • Unlimited access to non-alcoholic tasting selections.
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DD VIP

$75 | Members $67.50

  • All the same features as the DD ticket.
  • Early admission to the Zoo at 6 p.m.
  • An exclusive commemorative gift.
  • Access to the VIP Lounge with included food (ends at 8:30 p.m.)
Get Tickets

DD and DD VIP ticketholders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.

All attendees must be 21 or older; a photo ID is required. Parking is required and $8 per vehicle. Members park for free.

Members Get More

Members get 10% off Polar Beers admission — plus unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, exclusive deals and so much more.

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Celebrate the Season While Giving Back

Your Polar Beers night out does a ton of good. Every ticket purchased directly funds world-class animal care at the Detroit Zoo and fuels critical conservation work saving wildlife species across the globe. It also funds the smaller stuff that adds up, like the Zoo's holiday lights recycling program, which keeps strands of burnt-out bulbs out of Michigan landfills.

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