The Animals Aglow lantern festival has returned to the Saint Louis Zoo and let me just say, IT’S EVEN BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!
This is a true, full-blown festival that immensely celebrates the Chinese culture! There are specialty food options, live performances, and all the lanterns depict animals, plants, and other traditional Chinese elements – each of those being more impressive and awe-inspiring than the last!
The lanterns themselves are all hand-constructed and illuminated by thousands of LED lights and are spread all throughout the zoo, so a good amount of walking is definitely accomplished. One should easily be able to make the day’s move goal!
So come along with me on this photographic journey before you head out to the Saint Louis Zoo and take this incredible journey for yourself…
I recognized right away that this was not going to be a replica of last year’s festival! The entry archway lantern was decidedly different! Last year’s theming was butterflies.They had all these cute interactive games (not pictured) all over the place. The Panda themed one was a swat the dot style one. Loved it.
Cody and Lexie in the lily pad forest.
This Grand Palace Lantern stood at over 49 feet tall! Incredible!
They had a Chinese Zodiac part with each of the twelve zodiacs represented. I’m a Tiger and the description fits me perfectly.
I took this photo of these hornets from the backside because I’m obsessed with moon shots. If there’s a magnificent moon out, I’m getting it in my shot!
The details in these lanterns is truly incredible.
In 2007 I went on safari in Kenya. One afternoon we got in this small boat and boated around this giant, hippopotamus infested lake. What in the world was I thinking!?! It was definitely a different time for me.
You can even see the scales on this snake! These lanterns are just phenomenal. Such amazing works of art.
They had several lanterns that emitted steam or smoke this year. Loved that!
The vultures above the restroom gave me a chuckle. Lord knows I need to know where every restroom is, certainly don’t need anymore accidents.
These illuminated moon swings were in two different locations and super popular, but it was well worth the few minute wait. We loved them! This is one of the only pics I could hold over from last year! They really overhauled this entire festival!
You could speak into these trees and the parrots would say aloud whatever it was you said. This was super awesome!
This geometric dome was a real highlight…
…and this is why. It was such an awesome sight!
Love hyenas.
This individual performed a “face-changing” segment in the Chinese cultural show. Most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I could watch this for two hours. It has to be seen to be believed!
I didn’t notice till curating my photos, but I really took a lot of pictures of the insect related lanterns. I don’t even like insects.
This hummingbird honeycomb was such a neat display. Like I keep saying, they really upped the ante this year!
The lantern tunnel was a fan favorite for us.
Cody and Lexie at the signature dragon. It steamed like it would if it breathed fire. Definitely another fan favorite.
Love the reflections of the lanterns in the water.
The Animals Aglow lantern festival operates from 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays March 12 through May 11, 2025. Beginning April 18 they stay open till 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
While the Saint Louis Zoo is typically a free attraction, this is a special event and is held after the conclusion of the zoo’s traditional operating hours. Tickets for Animals Aglow are $19.95 on Wednesdays and Thursdays for Non-Zoo Members and $16.95 for Zoo Members. Fridays through Sundays they’re $23.95 for Non-Zoo Members and $20.95 for Members.
Sunday, March 23 and Wednesday, April 9 they’re hosting a special sensory-friendly night and tickets that evening are $16.95 for anyone regardless of membership.
Parking is available at either the North or South lots and is included with admission.
I know our St. Louis weather has been all over the place this spring, but let me tell you what, this is a NOT TO BE MISSED attraction! If you like the zoo, you’ll love this! I would happily go again! It was just a phenomenal experience and there was nothing about it I didn’t enjoy! 10/10! Highly Recommend!
As always, THANK YOU for viewing! I’ll return soon with another all-new post, so until then, I wish you all, all the best!
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This looks awesome and like you guys had a really neat time. Wish we had something like this near me I’d definitely go to something like this.
Thank you, yes! We had the best time! Love our zoo!
This looks like a wonderful time! I’d love to see it!
We don’t have much time left before it concludes!
Oh I bet this was a fun time! These lanterns look just wonderful!
We’ll have to take you next year!
They always have something special going on at that zoo! Love to see it!
That’s because it’s simply the best! We love it so much!