holiday light displays in St. Louis

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is back for another beautifully lit season. Your family can stroll through the Zoo grounds surrounded by a million lights! Visitors will see twinkling light displays, enjoy fun photo opportunities, holiday carolers, Santa's woodland workshop, roaming entertainers, and lots more in this enchanting holiday wonderland.

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Sensory-Friendly Night at U. S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Sensory-Friendly Night is designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. This night will mirror the traditional Wild Lights experience, but will include sensory maps, quiet areas, and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals. Sensory Night is supported by The Autism Clinic at Hope.

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights in Tilles Park, where you'll find thousands of beautiful holiday lights and animated displays designed by St. Louis County Parks employees. You can drive through Winter Wonderland evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m. except Mondays (for Winter Wonderland Walk only) and Saturdays (for carriage rides only).

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Science Illuminated

Celebrate the science behind some of your favorite holiday decorations - lights! This new holiday celebration at the Saint Louis Science Center will present a light display that uses leading-edge technology and science demonstrations to show the science of light.

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Top 10 Holiday Must-Do’s for St. Louis Families

During the holidays, St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland that rivals the North Pole itself (minus the snow). With incredible light displays that spark excitement in every child, train rides that put them face to face with Santa himself, and bazaars that feature handmade gifts even the elves would envy, there’s something magical for every member of the family. Our picks for this year include:

Wild Lights

There’s something about seeing the father of your children perched precariously atop an unstable ladder, steel blade rake in his outstretched arm as he swats at the air, still several feet away from a dangling strand of Christmas lights that you guilted him into hanging onto a 30-foot pine tree, that makes you truly appreciate the raw power you harness within your female body parts.

It’s almost scary.

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Things to Do

Walk & Talk School Tour at the Waldorf School of St. Louis

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Learn about Waldorf education by observing classes in session at the Waldorf School of St. Louis.

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Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo

Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!

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Dinoroarus at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.

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Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Preschool Science: Science Tots at the Saint Louis Science Center

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.

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Child development researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are inviting 4-7-year-old children and a caregiver to participate in a study investigating what children know about suicide along with risk factors for experiencing suicidality early in life. We are seeking children who have and who have not experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who participate will 1) answer brief questions about their understanding of suicide (we want to learn what children at different ages know, we do not teach them anything new), 2) play games, and 3) complete a safe and non-invasive EEG. Caregivers will complete interviews and surveys. Families can earn up to $110 for participating. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

We also have current studies for 12-14-year-old girls and their mothers. Check out our website or email us at childlab@wustl.edu.

In this thrilling blend of classical music and classic animation Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals join audiences of all ages at Stifel Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. A dozen of the world’s most iconic Looney Tunes—What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Corny Concerto, Baton Bunny, Long-Haired Hare, and many others—plus five brand-new animated shorts—will be projected on the big screen, while their exhilarating original scores are played live by the SLSO, conducted by George Daugherty. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will be presented on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS.

Witness high-flying canine athletes, experience up-close encounters with farm animals, or visit adoptable cats and dogs all at the Purina Farms Visitor Center, located just 30 minutes west of St. Louis! Officially opening for the 2024 season on April 20 & 21, guests who visit opening weekend will get the first look at the newly renovated Visitor Center lobby. Visit on Saturdays this season to attend our NEW magic show focused on responsible pet ownership. Open mid-April to October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily admission is free unless otherwise stated during a special event. We look forward to seeing you! LEARN MORE

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