It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. North Pole Village will return on November 17 as part of the current GloWild lantern exhibit.
Santa Claus will greet visitors from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of GloWild, which requires a separate admission fee. Mrs. Claus also will offer cookie decorating and s’mores for an additional fee each night from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
GloWild, in its second year, is an immersive nighttime experience that takes guests around the world through massive steel and silk works of art that feature global landmarks, as well as animals and plants of the seven continents. The event is even bigger than last year, with lanterns up to 50 feet tall. Holiday lanterns will be located in the Australia section of the zoo.
GloWild: Around the World is illuminating the zoo with custom lighted sculptures, including a few that can be walked through and others that have moving parts. More than 74 tons of steel and 940,000 feet of silk have been used to create the spectacular works, and it’s all been handcrafted by 151 artisans. Guests follow a path through the displays, with opportunities to stop to enjoy photo opportunities, concessions, shopping and live entertainment throughout the evening.
Performances are held each night at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. near Elephant Expedition. In the case of inclement weather, performances will be held in the Beastro Lobby Auditorium. In addition, the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium is now open. It is home to nearly 8,000 animals in 34 habitats that tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe.
This event does require a separate ticket from daily zoo admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild. Companies and groups also can make GloWild a private event for their employees or clients. If interested, please email askthezoo@fotzkc.org.
