Wild Lights is the Saint Louis Zoo’s holiday lantern and light display, running on select nights from November 27 through December 30, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with last entry at 8 p.m. The event is presented by Commerce Bank and was known in past seasons as U.S. Bank Wild Lights under a different sponsor. For 2026 the Zoo has expanded the lit footprint across Historic Hill and newly included the Charles H. Hoessler Herpetarium, Dinoroarus and the Primate House as part of the nighttime walk.
Wild Lights suits families with young kids as much as couples looking for a casual holiday outing, and most visitors plan for one and a half to two hours to see the lights, catch Santa and warm up with cocoa. There is no timed entry, so guests can arrive any time between 5 and 8 p.m., but the Zoo recommends buying tickets online in advance since nights do sell out.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Saint Louis Zoo
- City: St. Louis
- State: Missouri
- Dates: Select nights, Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, 2026
- Hours: 5 to 8:30 p.m., last entry 8 p.m.
- Tickets: $16 members, $19 general admission; free for children 0-23 months
- Timed entry: no
- New for 2026: Expanded Historic Hill footprint including the Herpetarium, Dinoroarus and Primate House
What’s new for 2026
The headline change for 2026 is a bigger lit footprint across the Zoo’s Historic Hill, with three animal buildings newly open as part of the nighttime route: the Charles H. Hoessler Herpetarium, Dinoroarus and the Primate House. Returning favorites include the Zoo’s full light displays, Santa meet-and-greets through December 23, a 4D theater showing Rudolph, a Sensory-Friendly Night on December 7, and holiday craft activities for kids.
The lights and displays
The Zoo describes the display as more than 1 million twinkling lights spread across its grounds, with animal-themed light sculptures and scenes along the main pathways. The newly added Historic Hill buildings mean guests can duck inside to see reptiles, dinosaur-themed exhibits and primates while they tour the lights, something past Wild Lights routes did not include. Weekend evenings bring holiday carolers and other live performances along the route.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Tickets cost $16 for Zoo members and $19 for general admission, with children ages 0 to 23 months admitted free. The Zoo has not published a dynamic or peak-night pricing structure for 2026, so the published rate applies across the run. Advance online purchase is recommended because nights do sell out, though tickets may also be available at the gate if a given night has not sold out. Parking is free in both Zoo lots on a first-come, first-served basis, with overflow street parking in Forest Park when lots fill.
Food, drinks and extras
Guests can roast their own s’mores at firepits around the grounds and warm up with specialty hot chocolate served in naughty or nice versions. A 4D theater experience showing Rudolph is included, and a separate virtual reality experience is available for an extra $5. Wheelchair, stroller and ECV rentals are offered but carry their own rental fee for this event.
Tips for your visit
Arrive close to the 5 p.m. opening or after 7 p.m. to avoid the heaviest crowds, since there is no timed entry and nights can get busy closer to Christmas. Plan for roughly 90 minutes to two hours to see the lights, visit the newly added animal buildings and grab a snack. Dress warmly, as the route is almost entirely outdoors; the Zoo posts weather-related cancellations by 3 p.m. on the day of the event via its website, social media and email, and issues automatic refunds to the original payment method if a night is canceled. December 7 is designated a Sensory-Friendly Night for guests who prefer a lower-stimulation visit.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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Wild Lights presented by Commerce Bank at Saint Louis Zoo FAQs
When is Wild Lights 2026 at the Saint Louis Zoo?
Wild Lights runs on select nights from November 27 through December 30, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m.
How much are Wild Lights tickets in 2026?
Tickets cost $16 for Zoo members and $19 for general admission, with children 0 to 23 months admitted free. Prices are not announced to vary by night for 2026.
Do you need to buy Wild Lights tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is recommended because nights can sell out, though there is no timed entry and tickets may be available at the gate if a night has not sold out.
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Photo: Official Photographic Company / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.