Wild Lights
Nov. 21 – Jan. 3 | Gates open at 5 p.m.
Metro Detroit’s classic holiday tradition returns with millions of lights, incredible sights + brand-new wonders for all ages to explore.
$17.00 - $65.00
Tickets From $17 | Members Save 10%
Presented By
30 Nights of Glow, Ho, Ho
Wild Lights, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is a wild winter wonderland with millions of magical reasons to wander the Zoo. Whether you're bundling up the little ones for a night of awe, gathering the group for a holiday hangout or looking for the perfect excuse to cozy up in an Igloo, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
2026-27 Season Dates
November: 21, 22, 27-29
December: 4-6, 10-23, 26-31
January: 2, 3
Fridays and Saturdays: 5 – 10:30 p.m.
All other nights (plus January dates): 5 – 9 p.m.
Wild Lights sells fast. Lock in your preferred night before they sell out!
Your ticket does more than light up the night — it directly supports our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. Thank you
What to Expect at Wild Lights 2026
- Stroll through millions of sparkling LED lights, featuring 500+ breathtaking animal- and nature-themed displays.
- Get those wish lists ready! Santa Claus is here to meet your little ones every night of the event until Dec. 23.
- Unleash your inner child on glowing swings, ride a light up teeter-totter, play with a giant light bright wall, make a wish with the Wishing Tree and dance out a festive tune on the Stepping Tones.
- Roast s’mores* around the fire pits, enjoy festive holiday music and pop-up performances throughout the trails.
- Catch a 4D screening of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- Become part of the light show! Purchase a Glow-with-the-Show lanyard and unlock interactive Glow Zones that sync directly with the light displays around you.* NOTE: If you have your lanyard from last year, you can bring it free of charge (replacement batteries available)!
- Keep your hands warm and your stomach full with food and drink available throughout the Zoo. *
Wild Lights 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 in 2026
We’ve added a sleigh-full of new experiences, upgrades and photo ops to make this year completely unforgettable.
- The Igloo*. Experience our exclusive 21+ lounge featuring outdoor fire pits, strolling apps, adult hot chocolate and live music every Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by KeyBank.
- Fred & Barbara Erb Discovery Trails. Take a stroll through the newly illuminated eastern portion of Erb Discovery Trails, which features the giant light bright wall, glowing swings and light-up teeter-totter.
- 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.
- Wild Explorer VR*. Experience an immersive, holiday-themed virtual reality adventure with screenings of Polar Odyssey or Elf Power.
- Holiday Souvenir Cup*. Enjoy unlimited hot cocoa with our brand-new souvenir cup, uniquely designed to look like a giant holiday light bulb.
- New Illuminated Sculptures. Snap selfies with new animal sculptures, including a snow leopard, Asian elephant, orangutan, two red pandas, a Bengal tiger and more.
*Additional purchase
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Wild Lights 2026 Map + Experiences
Field of Light
Delight your senses as colorful lights dance in sync to the sounds of holiday music.
Tunnel of Light
Step inside a fully immersive walk-through light tunnel that surrounds you in every direction.
NEW! The Igloo (21+)*
Warm up in our heated 21+ lounge with alcoholic drinks, private fire pits, passed apps + chill vibes. Sponsored by KeyBank.
Giant Light Bright
The peg-board toy from your childhood, scaled up to Zoo size.
Toyland
Wander through a world of larger-than-life illuminated toys.
Wishing Tree
An interactive, talking attraction that hears your holiday wishes.
Stepping Tones
Dance your way across an illuminated floor that plays music with every step.
Santa Meet-and-Greet
Every night of the event until Dec. 23
Glow-with-the-Show Lanyard*
Light up in sync with Glow Zones throughout the route.
NEW! Art Exhibition: Color, Fly, Butterfly
Color a butterfly and watch your creation come alive
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D*
Relive this holiday classic in 4D, complete with wind, snow and rumbling seats.
NEW! Wild Explorer VR*
Strap in for a full virtual reality adventure.
NEW! Erb Discovery Trails
Take an elevated stroll through the illuminated eastern portion of the new experience.
NOTE: May not be suitable for guests with light sensitivity or epilepsy due to flashing lights.
*Additional purchase
Wild Lights 2026 Tickets + Entry Info
Buy your Wild Lights tickets early — online prices beat the gate every night!
- Parking is $8 per vehicle.
- Ticket required for all guests 2+.
- Ticket prices may vary by date, time and demand.
- Zoo members save 10% on admission + free parking + benefits you can enjoy all year long.
Admission to Wild Lights
$17-$25 | Members $15.30-$22.50
At the gate: $27 ($24 for members)
- Admission to Wild Lights.
Total Experience Package
$60 | Members $54
At the gate: $65 ($58 for members)
- Admission to Wild Lights.
- Complimentary Carousel ride.
- Fast-pass 4D Theater admission.
- Complimentary Wild Explorer VR ride.
- Souvenir cup + unlimited cocoa refills.
- Food voucher good for a slice of pizza or burger (gf/vegan/vegetarian options available).
- Parking is included.
- Add-on: $23 VIP Igloo Access.
Group Sales
$14-$22 | $57 Total Experience
At the gate: $27 ($65 for Total Experience)
- Groups of 20 or more.
- Total Experience package available.
21+ VIP Igloo Experience
$40 online ($50 at the gate) | Members: $36 online ($45 at the gate)
Date/time specific — select your night
- Admission to Wild Lights.
- Two drinks included.
- Passed appetizers included.
- Access to hot chocolate bar.
- NOTE: ID required for entry, ages 21+, online purchase only, nightly capacity limited
Your night out, elevated
Add-Ons Available at Checkout
Hot Cocoa Souvenir Cup + Unlimited Refills
New holiday lightbulb design. Included with Total Experience package.
$15Glow-with-the-Show Lanyard
Syncs with connected Glow Zones along the route. Available at checkout or glow stands onsite. May not be suitable for guests with epilepsy or light sensitivity.
$14Wild Explorer VR
Step into a whole new world without leaving the Zoo. Included with Total Experience package.
$8 GA / $7 Members4D Theater
Add a 15-minute 4D film experience to your Wild Lights visit. Included with Total Experience package.
$6Carousel Ride
Take a spin on one of 33 historic, hand-painted animals. Included with Total Experience package.
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Learn MoreNote: Wild Lights admission must be added to your cart before selecting any add-ons. Member discount applies to admission only and is not applicable to add-ons.
Members Get More
Members get 10% off Wild Lights general admission! With a Detroit Zoo membership, you’ll enjoy endless fun and great perks such as unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, exclusive deals PLUS discounted access to ticketed events like Wild Lights.
Give Back as You Glow
While you’re enjoying the lights, you’ll find donation boxes throughout the Zoo supporting local causes. Consider supporting them during your visit!
Brighten the Future
Bring old, broken or unwanted holiday lights for responsible recycling from Nov. 28 - Jan. 31.
Share the Warmth
Bring a new pair of mittens or gloves to help keep someone warm this winter. Donations collected by Mittens for Detroit.
Donate Toys
We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots from Nov. 28 – Dec. 18. Drop off donations at the Zoo Shop.
Get Involved with Wild Lights
Volunteer
Want to help guests have an incredible Wild Lights experience? Volunteers aged 14 and older (with adult supervision) can contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] or (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802.
Become a Sponsor
Show your support for the Zoo and gain valuable exposure. Contact Matt Opperman at [email protected] or (248) 336-5723 to learn more.
Ask your holi-date to be yours forever surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season!
Fill out the form to schedule a marriage proposal at Wild Lights.
You must submit your proposal at least a week in advance of your chosen date for staff scheduling purposes. Bookings are not guaranteed until you confirm that you would like to move ahead after your initial submission. Dates and timeslots are available on a first come first serve basis.
Wild Lights 2026 FAQs
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities
There are several levels to choose from, all of which provide valuable exposure and benefits.
Inquiries
