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Wild Lights 

presented by Commerce Bank

5 to 8:30 p.m. (Last entry at 8 p.m.)
Select nights, Nov. 28 through Dec. 28, 2025
Sensory-Friendly Night is Dec. 8

Winter nights are better together, and Wild Lights is a wonderful night to share. 

See what's NEW at the Zoo this year, including visits with Santa and shopping at our Holiday Market. As you bask in the glow of 1 million twinkling lights, stroll hand in hand while sipping hot cocoa, and make some memories to last a lifetime. 

Get Tickets Now!

Parking and Tickets

Parking is FREE on both Zoo parking lots (as available).

DatesMembers (Ages 2+)
 
Non-Members (Age 2+)
 
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7$12$15
Dec. 8: Sensory-Friendly Night$12$15
Dec. 10-23$15$18
Dec. 26-28$12$15

Free for children ages 0-23 months. High demand is expected, and popular dates may sell out quickly. Tickets may be purchased online up to the night of the event (based on ticket availability). Tickets are valid only for the day and time noted. Tickets are nonrefundable, except in the case of event cancellation. Tickets are nontransferable. If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797.

Group Discounts

Groups of 15 or more may receive a discount rate on tickets when purchased and paid for at least eight days prior to your visit date. To purchase 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.

Tickets are not eligible for resale. Only tickets purchased directly from the Saint Louis Zoo (in person or online) are valid.

Holiday Festivities

  • NEW: Meet and take pictures with Santa. Photo packages available for purchase.
  • NEW: Shop the Holiday Market, featuring festive ornaments and souvenirs.
  • Walk through a winter wonderland with twinkling light displays and themed areas.
  • Enjoy nightly roaming entertainment.
  • Kids can make a craft to take home and participate in activities.

Animals

Please note: These are the only animal exhibits open during Wild Lights.
 

Featured Attractions

  • Wild Explorer VR Experience

    $5 for members and non-members. 
    Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

  • 4D Theater

    Included with event admission, showing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." 
    Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

  • Conservation Carousel

    Included with event admission. 
    Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

Winter Treats

Enjoy festive food and specialty beverages, available for purchase at several food venues. Novelty items include s'mores kits and hot chocolates.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Monday, Dec. 8, is Sensory-Friendly Night 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no timed entry.

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 Wild Lights will need to exit the Zoo and have their event tickets scanned for re-entry starting 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.

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.

If you need assistance with your tickets, please call our Guest Experience team at (314) 646-4797. Lines are staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

Yes! Check out our hotel partners during your stay in St. Louis.

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Commerce Bank 
Mid America Chevy Dealers
Prairie Farms Dairy
Coca-Cola
Spire
Dot Foods 

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for Wild Lights or other Zoo events, please contact sponsorship@stlzoo.org.