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
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.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
This special story is geared to little ones ages 6 months to 2 years with a parent or caregiver. In addition to stories, there will be lap bounces, songs, rhymes and more!
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Enjoy food, movies, music and refreshments at Downtown Summer Nights in Kiener Plaza on Thursdays throughout the summer. This weekly celebration takes place in the shadow of the Gateway Arch every Thursday through August 28. Entertainment includes a variety of family movies like Frozen, Mamma Mia, The Wiz and more, live music and even a special presentation of Shakespeare in the Park.
