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Wild Lights 

Select Nights, Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 2026
Sensory-Friendly Night is Dec. 7 
$16 Zoo Members; $19 General Admission
Free for children 0-23 months
5-8:30 p.m. 
(Last entry is 8 p.m.)

Jingle all the way through the Zoo as you marvel at dazzling light displays; roast s’mores over fire pits; and meet the big man himself, Santa! NEW this year: Wild Lights has an expanded footprint across Historic Hill, with more animals to see than ever!

Tickets go on sale in late October.

Jolly Good Fun

Included in event admission:

  • New to Wild Lights:
    • Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium
    • Dinoroarus
    • Primate House
  •  Back by popular demand: Visits with Santa
  • 4D Theater featuring: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D"
  • Bayer Insectarium
  • Holekamp Aqua Tunnel at Sea Lion Sound
  • Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel
  • Parking on both Zoo lots (As available)
  • Penguin & Puffin Coast

Please note: The animal experiences listed above will be the only open animal exhibits during Wild Lights and are subject to change.

Open with an additional fee:

  • Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience ($5; Last entry at 8:15 p.m.)

Santa, Sparking Lights and Seasonal Fun

“SANTA! OMG!”

Meet Kris Kringle himself and take pictures with him every night through Dec. 23. (Last entry 8:15 p.m. nightly.)


After a visit with Santa, keep the holiday cheer going! Stroll around the Zoo at your leisure and enjoy over 1 million twinkling lights – perfect for photo ops. If you need some warming up, roast s’mores over open fire pits or indulge in a specialty hot chocolate, available in naughty or nice versions. Little ones can also make a special craft to take home, and roaming entertainment is available on select nights.

Tickets and Parking

Select Nights, Nov. 27 – Dec. 30
$16 Zoo Members; $19 General Admission

Free for children 0-23 months

Parking on both Zoo lots (as available)

Check back to purchase tickets

Sensory-Friendly Night

Sensory-Friendly Night is for neurodivergent guests with sensory sensitivities. This special night will mirror the traditional Wild Lights experience, but also includes sensory maps, quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Check back to purchase tickets.

Get Tickets Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no timed entry. Doors open at 5 p.m. Last entry to the event is 8 p.m., and the event concludes at 8:30 p.m.
 

Parking is available on the North and South Lots.

While parking for the event is free, lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and may reach capacity. If lots are full, limited street parking within the boundaries of Forest Park also is available for free.

Prior to the event, the Zoo closes to the public at 4 p.m. (all pathways, restaurants, exhibits and attractions will no longer be open.) Doors will re-open at 5 p.m. for the event. Zoo guests planning to attend Boo at the Zoo will need to exit the Zoo and have their event tickets scanned for re-entry starting at 5 p.m.
 

Buying tickets online is the best option as the Zoo is experiencing high call volumes. Tickets do sell out, so buying in advance is recommended.
 

For those unable to access the Zoo’s website, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, to speak with a representative. Lines are staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call volumes may be longer than usual. Thank you for your patience.
 

The Zoo's wheelchair, stroller and ECV rental fees apply for this event.
 

Groups of 15 or more may receive a discounted rate on tickets when bought and paid for at least eight days prior to your visit date. To buy group tickets, please call (314) 646-4781 or visit the Group Ticket Desk at the North Entrance, open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 

Inclement weather with precipitation or high winds may hinder some displays from working correctly. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In case of a cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Zoo will update its website and social media by 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Ticket holders also will receive an email. (If no guest alert has been posted by 3 p.m., the event will continue as planned.) If you have tickets for a canceled event, you will receive a full refund on the credit or debit card used to purchase. The Zoo will do its best to issue refunds promptly.

For any issues related to online ticket purchases, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, or email guestrelations@stlzoo.org. A Zoo representative will follow up with you as soon as possible. Call volumes may be higher than usual. Thank you for your patience.
 

Book Your Stay

Are you or your friends and family visiting from out of town? Check out our Hotel Partners to book your stay!

Hotel Partners

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

Commerce Bank 
Mid America Chevy Dealers
Coca-Cola
Prairie Farms Dairy
BJC Health
Spire
Caleres, Inc.
DOT Foods, Inc

To inquire about event sponsorship opportunities, please email sponsorship@stlzoo.org.