Spotlight St. Louis: Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo

by veryBENeficial | Posted on

Updated: April 17, 2026

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, arts and crafts, 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…

We arrived right at 6:30, so the sun had not yet set. We took our leisurely time exploring everything at first and even enjoyed some of the specialty food and drink offerings. We knew everything would look better at night and thankfully, we had plenty of time.
I’m a Tiger on the Chinese Zodiac and I feel the description is most fitting.
Every three minutes this dragon breathes fire (steam) and it was most impressive! The head moves and everything! It was quite wonderful.
From Left: Erin, Nancy, Jamie, and myself.
Lots of floral arrangements and I loved those.
They had these cute photo frames all over and we really enjoyed posing with them.
The details in these lanterns was just amazing!
Nancy is NOT a fan of bats, so we had to have her take this photo!
Loved the snowcapped trees!
Like I said, BIG fan of the photo frames!
There was some confusion at first if this was an ostrich or a phoenix, I now think it’s an ostrich.
Erin and the peacock.
Like I said, I was a big fan of the snowcapped trees!
There’s always an amazing tunnel and this year was no exception. Loved the pastel colors they went with. Definitely brought a pleasant and inviting vibe to the walk.
This moose was massive. Until you see these lanterns its hard to imagine how large some are.
My best take on a Harry Potter magic shot.
Love opposums.
The swings are a continuous hit year after year.
The raining lights around this falcon were just mesmerizing.
Saved the best for last as this was my favorite display. I just loved it!

The Animals Aglow lantern festival operates from 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays March 13 through May 17, 2026. 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 $20.95 on Wednesdays and Thursdays for Non-Zoo Members and $17.95 for Zoo Members. Fridays through Sundays they’re $24.95 for Non-Zoo Members and $21.95 for Members.

Parking is available at either the North or South lots and is included with admission.

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!

Here I am reading my book, “Shithead,” which is available on Amazon, to this baby elephant that’s a part of the animal statue along the entryway into Forest Park from Hampton Avenue. Really a must see when entering the area (and a must read if you love laughing and being entertained!)

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!

More Spotlights on Saint Louis:

Campbell House Museum

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum

Museum of Illusions

Neon Museum of Saint Louis

Shaw Nature Reserve

SLUMA (St. Louis University Museum of Art)

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

World Chess Hall of Fame

About the author

Working hard everyday towards achieving my goal of becoming an international best-selling author. Wrote the book, just need the agent and publisher. Received the ultimate endorsement when Britney Spears wrote me saying she'd be one of the first in line to buy my book! #FreeBritney

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Comments

  1. 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.

    Reply
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