See yourself in the magic of Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo!
• Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more.
• Visit with the cool birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast and walk through the Holekamp Aqua Tunnel to see the harbor seals and California sea lions. Please note that these are the only animal exhibits open at night during the event. All other animal attractions are closed.
• Look for strolling live performers each night and enjoy “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D" at the 4D Theater. These activities are included with admission and operate weather permitting.
• New for 2025 are photos with Santa and shopping the Holiday Market.
• Kids can make a free craft to take home, participate in activities and write a letter to Santa.
• Try the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience ($5/ticket).
Wild Lights 2025 will be held:
Friday-Sunday, November 28 — November 30
Thursday-Sunday December 4 — December 7
Monday, Dec. 8 is Sensory Friendly Night
Nightly, December 10 — December 23
Closed on December 24 — 25.
Nightly, December 26 — 28.
Monday, December 8 is Sensory Friendly Night for individuals with sensory sensitivities. This night will mirror the traditional Wild Lights experience but will include sensory maps, quiet areas, and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals.
Hours for Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Last entry is 8 p.m. Tickets for ages 2 and up are required and must be purchased in advance online at stlzoo.org. Free admission for children ages 0-23 months.
Many nights sell out so advance purchase is highly recommended. Parking is free on both Zoo parking lots during Wild Lights. Lots fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and tickets: stlzoo.org
#StlZoo #WildLights2025
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Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo
Brunch with Santa and Fredbird
Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring Chinese cultural performances, music, art, and history while enjoying authentic cuisine at Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, meet the wonderful bird ambassadors of the World Bird Sanctuary up close and much more.
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, pony rides, the children's play area and lots more.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.