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Dinner with Santa

Select evenings, Dec. 16-21, 2024
5 and 7:30 p.m. seatings

Enjoy an enchanting evening with Santa and his helpers as you enjoy a hearty dinner – plus admission to Wild Lights!

Sold Out!

NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR!

McDonnell Center at River Camp

Seatings and Reservations

SOLD OUT!

  • Monday, Dec. 16 (SOLD OUT!)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 17 (SOLD OUT!)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18 (SOLD OUT!)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21 (SOLD OUT!)



Zoo Member Reservations

  • $24/child (ages 2-12)*
  • $42/adult (ages 13+)

General Admission (non-member) Reservations

  • $26/child (ages 2-12)*
  • $44/adult (ages 13+)

*Free for children 0-23 months, but they must still register.

NOTE: Guests who book the 5 p.m. seating see lights after dinner. Guests who book the 7:30 p.m. seating see the lights before dinner.

Pre-paid reservations are required. Seating is limited. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note: There are no physical tickets for this event. The name on your reservation will be placed on a guest check-in list.

Complimentary Holiday Cheer

The following are included in your reservation:

  • Dinner buffet in McDonnell Center at River Camp with visits from costumed characters during your meal
  • Private table for your family
  • Take-your-own photo opportunities with Santa and other costumed characters (a professional photographer will not be available)
  • Surprise gift for children (ages 12 and under)
  • Admission to Wild Lights
  • Free parking (as available; additional details below)

Buffet Menu

  • Garden Salad with Ranch or Italian Dressing
  • Tossed Caesar Salad
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Broccoli and Carrots
  • Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce
  • Smoked Turkey Breast with Turkey Gravy
  • Tri-Color Cheese Tortellini in Cream Sauce
  • Chicken Strips
  • Ranch and Honey Mustard
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Sundae Bar with Assorted Toppings
  • Assorted Cakes and Cookies

For specific dietary restrictions or concerns, please enter restrictions on the registration website or contact a Registered Events representative at (314) 646-4897 at the time of registration. Dietary restrictions cannot be accepted if they are not turned in immediately.

Wild Lights presented by Commerce Bank

Each Dinner with Santa ticket includes admission to Wild Lights (weather permitting)!

  • 5 p.m. Dinner with Santa guests can enjoy the lights after dinner.
  • 7:30 p.m. Dinner with Santa guests can enjoy the lights before dinner.
Wild Lights

Parking is free

Parking on the Zoo lot is free with your Dinner with Santa reservation. Please park on the South Lot on Wells Drive and enter through the South Entrance. Please make your way to the front of the Wild Lights line to enter and head to McDonnell Center at River Camp.

While parking for the event is free, lots are filled on 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. See detailed directions to parking lots.