Walking through SLU’s campus on a chilly December night can sometimes feel like a stroll through a winter wonderland. There’s nothing like the magical twinkling of Christmas lights to bring out the holiday spirit and the kid in all. But, the beautiful lights illuminating the BSC, Cupples House and College Church are just a mere taste of the plethora of light displays throughout the St. Louis area.

“Garden Glow” in The Missouri Botanical Garden
Most are familiar with the Missouri Botanical Garden’s magnificent natural works of floral and arboreal art; now, for the first time, the Botanical Garden has transformed into the “Garden Glow 2013” Light Exhibit. The festival kicks off for the this year, allowing St. Louisans to experience the wonder of the gardens covered in hundreds of thousands of lights. Walk through labyrinths of illuminated plant forms and take in an experience truly unique to St. Louis.
Garden Glow is open Wednesday–Sunday evenings from Nov. 23 to Dec. 17 and open nightly from Dec. 18 to Jan. 4 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd., south St. Louis. Admission is $16 adults, $12 members, $10 children and $6 for member’s children.
“Wild Lights” at Saint Louis Zoo
Lions, tigers, bears and lights! The Saint Louis Zoo’s “Wild Lights” in Forest Park features not only 500,000 lights but the always-fascinating animals as well. The fantastic grounds of the zoo bring the animal habitats to new life with wonderful displays and attractions throughout the zoo.
Wild Lights is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15 and will be open nightly from Dec. 20 to the 23 and Dec. 26-30. Wild Lights hours are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night and tickets will be sold until 8:15 p.m. Admission is $4 for zoo members and $5 for the general public.

“The Way of Lights” in Belleville
Those truly looking for a light show immersion experience unlike any other can adventure 20 minutes outside of St. Louis to Belleville, Ill., where Our Lady of the Snows Shrine presents its light display, “The Way of Lights.” The show tells the Nativity story through more than one million twinkling light bulbs. Driving through the light display is free for all and guaranteed to be an experience unlike any other. In addition to the drive-through display, viewers can amaze at the laser light show depicting the miracle of Jesus’ birth.

The Way of Lights is open from Friday, Nov. 22 to Friday, Jan. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Grab your friends, your fuzziest winter gear and a steaming cup of hot chocolate and get ready to journey out into St. Louis to witness the city aglow with holiday spirit.