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.
• 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.
• 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 2026 will be held:
Friday-Sunday, November 27 — November 29
Thursday-Sunday December 3— December 6
Monday, Dec. 7 is Sensory Friendly Night
Nightly, December 9 - 13, 17 - 23, and 26-30.
Closed on December 14 - 16 and 24 — 25.
Monday, December 7 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 in both Zoo parking lots during Wild Lights. Lots fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and tickets: stlzoo.org
#StlZoo #WildLights2026
Find even more fun holiday events for your family in our Things To Do calendar
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Santa's Pancake Party at the Saint Louis Zoo
Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids 12 and under eat free per adult meal purchased.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1and up can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
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.