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 2024 is the Locomotive Photo Op. Have your photo taken next to a stationary Emerson Zooline Railroad locomotive, where a Zoo volunteer will be available to take pictures with your phone or camera. (Please note that the Zooline Railroad will not operate during Wild Lights.)
• Kids can make a free craft to take home, participate in activities and write a letter to Santa.
• Try the new Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience ($5/ticket) showing “Elf Power,” “Great Migration” and “Gorilla Trek.”
Wild Lights 2024 will be held:
Friday-Sunday, November 29 — December 1
Thursday-Sunday December 5 — December 8
Monday, Dec. 9 is Sensory Friendly Night
Nightly, December 11 — December 23
Closed on December 24 — 25.
Nightly, December 26 — 29.
Monday, December 9 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. Tickets for ages 2 and up are required and must be purchased in advance online at stlzoo.org/wildlights. 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
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is presented by Commerce Bank.
#StlZoo #WildLights2024
Find even more fun holiday events for your family in our Things To Do calendar
Get our Daily Things To Do email and never miss another fun family event!
Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo
Dinner with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo
Brunch with Santa and Fredbird
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.
Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. This year's Winter Wonderland is drive-through only.
Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.
Santa's Reindeer have been busy hiding candy canes in Kirkwood Park. Some have prizes attached to them. Kids can come early to decorate a hunting bag. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The hunt starts at 10 a.m., and after the hunt, kids can take pictures with Santa.