Wild Lights is a Fun, Outdoor, Socially Distant Way to Get in the Holiday Spirit

If you're looking for a fun, socially distant way to get in the holiday spirit, check out Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo. The annual event kicked off this past weekend, and we were lucky enough to snag some tickets and check it out. Wild Lights features over five million LED lights "illuminating trees, buildings and over 280 sculptures throughout the front half of the Zoo." Your favorite holiday tunes play along the way, really setting the mood. Some of the light installations even put on a show in sync with the music! If you're a big fan of Christmas and Christmas lights, you'll love this event! Even if you aren't big on Christmas lights, but appreciate art or like to look at pretty things, you'll like this event too!

Wild Lights takes place on select weeknights and every weekend, now through January 3rd. Before you go, there are some things that we think that you should know, so you aren't disappointed and so you can take full advantage of what this event has to offer. 

• You aren't going to the zoo to see the animals during this event, you're going to see the lights. This event takes place in the front area of the zoo, up to the Arctic Ring of Life. The only animals that you might get to peek and see are the camels and deer, and the beavers, if they decide to make an appearance.  

• Tickets are required and are timed to allow for limited crowds and social distancing. 

• Walk up tickets are not available. So, purchase yours online here. 

• There are snacks and drinks available to purchase. We noticed booths selling funnel fries, donuts, burgers, kettle corn, hot chocolate, spiked hot chocolate, and even beer.

•  Masks are required for all guests 5 years of age and older. 

• Public restrooms are open and are being cleaned frequently. 

•  The shop at the Detroit Zoo is also open. So get some Christmas gifts while you're there and help out the zoo!  

•  You'll be outdoors the whole time, unless you go to the restroom or into the store. Dress appropriately so you are comfortable while you walk through the zoo. 

Like all businesses and organizations, this year has been very difficult for the Detroit Zoo. This is a fun event, and you can feel good knowing that your money is going towards the zoo and helping the animals that live there. Tickets range $15-$20 per person and there is a parking fee of $8. Kids under 2 get free admission to this event. 

Wild Lights takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 - 10:30 p.m., and on Sundays and select weeknights from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit WildLights.DetroitZoo.org. 

~C

Wild Lights Offers Shivers and Smiles

Photos Taken By: J. Cendrowski

Winter’s answer to fireworks has always been holiday lights. How else would metro Detroiters willingly turn off Netflix, layer thermal, fleece, and wool, and head out into the bitter night air? Fortunately, you don’t have to go too far to make chapped lips and a runny nose worth your while. The Detroit Zoo’s annual Wild Lights evenings are full of enough winter magic to make you forget the cold and embrace the season. Besides the creative displays of twinkling lights, there are carolers, a Polar Express 4D short, Santa “Paws”, and arts and crafts. It’s not all childlike fun, though; craft brews and wine are available for purchase. Truth be told, it makes for a pretty romantic date night if you skip the indoor activities which are full of families, go later in the evening, and take every gust of arctic wind as an opportunity to snuggle.

To escape the rugrats altogether, check out Holiday Cheer at Wild Lights for adults 21 and over. It’s this Thursday, December 4th from 6 to 10 p.m. The event features “specialty holiday drinks”, in addition to the aforementioned beer and wine. Holiday Cheer tickets are $40 for zoo admission and three alcoholic beverages. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase. If you are not a drinker, but want to attend with your boozing buddies, you can purchase a discounted Designated Driver (DD) ticket for $25. The DD ticket includes zoo admission and unlimited soft drinks and hot cocoa so you can get your sugar buzz on. Parking is $6 per car.

Wild Lights will be held 5:30 to 9 p.m. on December 5-7, 11-14, 18-23, and 26-31. Cost is $8 per person in advance and $10 at the gate for ages 2 and up (under 2 admitted free); parking is $6 per car. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd. in Royal Oak. For more information, go to www.detroitzoo.org.

~KT

Wild Nights and Wild Lights at The Detroit Zoo!

 

The Detroit Zoo has a unique way to celebrate the holidays with them this winter. They have constructed a holiday display called “Wild Lights” that features over two million LED lights on the trees, buildings, and animal sculptures located towards the front of the zoo. This display is so huge that it measures over a half a mile in distance. They also have live entertainment, arts and crafts, storytelling, ice carving, and a LEGO holiday train display. There will also be holiday flavored treats and pictures with Santa available for purchase. 

Wild Lights has already kicked off, but there are a lot of chances for you to still check it out. It is taking place on December 13-15, 20-23, 26-30 of 2013, and January 2-5, 2014. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and remain open until 9 p.m. on weeknights and Sundays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost is $8 per person in advance and $10 at the gate for ages 2 and up (under 2 are free). Remember parking is $5, so factor that in when you are planning out your costs. Member and non-members are welcome to this event. This is your chance to see some great holiday decorations and check out what your favorite animals are up to this winter!

~S