To celebrate our near and dear friend Nancy’s birthday, which she is blessed to share with the one and only Céline Dion on March 30, we went to the Animals Aglow lantern festival at the Saint Louis Zoo. Let me just begin by saying, WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Expectations exceeded!
I went into this experience thinking it was just going to be a bunch of cute lanterned animals and a nice stroll around the zoo, well, let me tell you what, I was WAY wrong! This was a true, full-blown festival that immensely celebrated the Chinese culture! There was specialty food options, live performances, and all the lanterns depicted animals, plants, and other traditional Chinese elements – each of those being more impressive and awe-inspiring than the last!
The lanterns themselves were all hand-constructed and illuminated by thousands of LED lights and were spread all throughout the zoo, so a good amount of walking was accomplished. One should easily be able to make that day’s move goal! The Chinese cultural performances, which I failed to take any photos of, took place at the amphitheater that normally houses the Sea Lion show. All four acts of the show were outstanding, BUT the man who changed faces was the showstopper for me. I legitimately could’ve watched him all night! I was incredibly mesmerized by his performance! I don’t really know how else to describe him, but he had this large fan and would do these warrior like movements and then, when you least expected it, his face/mask would completely change! It was phenomenal! 10/10! Highly Recommend! The show times were sprinkled throughout the evening and each viewing was approximately twenty minutes.
So while I failed to capture any photos of the Chinese cultural performance, which is a MUST SEE, I did take PLENTY others, so let’s take a look shall we…
These gazelle were in the South Parking Lot just outside the entrance to the zoo. Back in college when I played soccer, they called me the Gazelle, so anytime I see gazelle, a photo is a must.
Apparently this is my new favorite pose.
Happy Birthday Nancy!
Tried to make this like a reflection looking pic, eh, it’s okay.
The boars are cute I feel.
This dragon was much larger than it appears in this photo.
Panda’s are adorable and I had just seen “Kung Fu Panda 4” a couple nights prior to this, so I was really feeling these guys.
There were butterfly displays all over the place, which is fitting for me since my last post highlighted The Butterfly House.
This kaleidoscope tunnel was so awesome! Erin and I loved it! It was kind of tucked in the back opposite the plaza from the Starbucks, so be sure to not miss this! We loved it!
Flamingo are a fan favorite here.
These photo frames were all throughout and you best believe we didn’t skip a one!
These illuminated moon swings were in two different locations and super popular, but it was well worth the few minute wait. We loved them!
I was so happy to be there on a night when the moon was nearly full.
Cue Mulan’s, “Reflection.” Talk about a glorious ode to Chinese culture! That movie will forever be a favorite of mine!
A lot of these lanterns actually moved and the peacock featured one of the more impressive movements. The tail opened and closed while the entire thing altered colors. We loved this one quite a bit!
Polar Bears are my favorite bears.
Accurate depiction of what would inevitably happen if I met one face to face… only I can’t imagine I’d be getting devoured with a smile.
Melissa channeling her inner-Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin.
I loved so many of the details in the drawings on these lanterns, especially with these bears.
Not a bug person, but the bug lanterns were quite impressive.
There was a lot of interactive things around this “under the sea” display. Definitely one of the more interesting parts of the night.
The rain cloud made all kinds of awesome noises and there were some interactive stepping pads opposite of it that we couldn’t quite figure out, but had the best time attempting to do so.
I prefer them behind glass or on my television, but I love cobras. Always been fascinated by them since watching “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” as a child.
Love a good floor projection.
This jellyfish tree was so awesome. The color changing was top notch.
I loved how many animals & climates were showcased throughout this festival. The representation was outstanding! Definitely something for everyone!
Red is our color.
The desert part was awesome. Another odd fascination of mine would for sure be cacti. Love a good cactus.
There is no right or wrong path to follow, which makes this festival a unique experience to everyone, but I was glad we began & ended with this incredible dragon. He was the best.
The Saint Louis Zoo welcomes you to this incredible exhibit and I honestly couldn’t recommend anything more! I’d love to go again! That’s how much I loved it!
The Animals Aglow lantern festival operates from 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays March 13 to May 5, 2024.
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, April 7 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! Like I said above, 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 a very personal and emotional post, so until then, I wish you all, all the best!
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
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!