Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo

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 third year with larger-than-life lanterns and interactive experiences featuring more than 60 all-new glowing displays depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements.

Re-imagined nightly entertainment will bring cultural traditions to life, including juggling and dancing acts. Guests will enjoy specialty food and beverages available for purchase and may even spot a nightly roaming panda character throughout the festival!

2026 displays include:  

• A towering, color-changing lantern topped with giant peacocks.
• A collection of glowing cherry blossom trees surrounding a Chinese pavilion.
• Interactive displays including a brand-new peony tree with video and music elements, a glowing butterfly game and a “crawling” larger-than-life spider display.
• The all-time fan favorite dragon tunnel — returning this year with a new colorful theme!
• Three lantern neighborhoods featuring prairie dogs, river otters and flamingos — a few of the species coming to Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, the Zoo’s new experience for children and families set to open in late summer 2026.
• A section dedicated to traditional Chinese lanterns and folklore.  

Animals Aglow is open March 13 to May 17, 2026

• Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Sensory Friendly Nights are March 29 and April 8. 

 
Tickets can be purchased online at stzoo.org/animalsaglow. Prices range from $17.95 to $24.95. Animals Aglow is free for children ages 0-23 months.

The event will feature traditional handicrafts and Asian food specials for purchase. Guests can also ride the Emerson Zooline Railroad, experience the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel or try the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience during Animals Aglow (separate fees). 
 
Note: Animals will not be viewable, and no animal buildings will be open during this event.

Get tickets at stlzoo.org
 

Parking is free on both Zoo parking lots during the event. Lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Zoo will close to the public at 5 p.m. Doors reopen at 6:30 p.m. for the event.  

Animals Aglow is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Coca-Cola and Mid America Chevy Dealers.