Detroit Zoo Lights Up For The Holidays
ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Detroit Zoo will light up the night for the first time in nearly a decade with Wild Lights, a spectacular holiday light display.
More than two million twinkling LED lights will brighten the evening sky and illuminate buildings, animal sculptures and trees through the front of the zoo.
During Wild Lights nights, visitors will take in the lights and sights along a half-mile trail and enjoy holiday entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. Live performances will include carolers and the Off Broadway Productions mini-musical "Frosty's Follies."
A musical light show, cookie decorating, storytelling, ice carving demonstrations and a Lego city and train display will add to the festivities. Seasonal refreshments, holiday spirits, photos with Santa, Wild Lights souvenirs and zoo-themed holiday gifts will be available for purchase.
"The Polar Express 4-D Experience" will be shown exclusively during Wild Lights at the Wild Adventure Zone's 4-D Theater. The 14-minute adaption of the feature film starring Tom Hanks tells the tale of a doubting young boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole and discovers that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Tickets are $5 in addition to zoo admission.
Wild Lights will be held for 24 nights Nov. 23-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 26-30, 2013; and Jan. 2-5, 2014. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and remain open until 9 p.m. weeknights and Sundays and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $8 per person in advance and $10 at the gate for ages 2 and up (under 2 free); parking is $5 per car.
Ron Kagan, the zoo's CEO, said the hope is that Wild Lights will again become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the community.
Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. For more information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.
