Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo
Dates:
Wednesdays through Sundays, March 13–May 17 (closed Sunday, April 19)
Sensory-friendly nights: March 29, April 8
Hours: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $17.95–$24.95
Parking: Free in both Zoo parking lots starting at 6 p.m.
The Chinese lantern festival, Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo, will illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo this spring with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.
Animals Aglow celebrates the culture, art and beauty of traditional lantern festivals celebrated in China for centuries. The festival will illuminate the Zoo with larger-than-life lanterns and interactive experiences featuring more than 60 all-new glowing displays depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Re-imagined nightly entertainment will bring cultural traditions to life, including juggling and dancing acts. Guests will enjoy specialty food and beverages available for purchase and may even spot a nightly roaming panda character throughout the festival!
2026 displays include:
A towering, color-changing lantern topped with giant peacocks.
A collection of glowing cherry blossom trees surrounding a Chinese pavilion.
Interactive displays including a brand-new peony tree with video and music elements, a glowing butterfly game and a “crawling” larger-than-life spider display.
The all-time fan favorite dragon tunnel — returning this year with a new colorful theme!
Three lantern neighborhoods featuring prairie dogs, river otters and flamingos — a few of the species coming to Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, the Zoo’s new experience for children and families set to open in late summer 2026.
A section dedicated to traditional Chinese lanterns and folklore.
The event will feature traditional handicrafts and Asian food specials for purchase. Guests can also ride the Emerson Zooline Railroad on select nights, experience the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel or try the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience during Animals Aglow (separate fees).
Note: Animals will not be viewable, and no animal buildings will be open during this event.