As a big fan of GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, I was thrilled to experience this year's Around the World display. And, now they've added North Pole Village to the display with brand-new holiday lanterns to enjoy through Dec. 30!
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
The first of the fabulous holiday additions is the spectacular life-size train at the entrance to the zoo. The holiday displays continue near the end of the GloWild loop as you enter the Australian section of the zoo. There, visitors are welcomed by a cheerful Santa, a whimsical candy cane archway, snowmen, nutcrackers, and of course, St. Nick himself. The event includes a chance to meet Santa (in Australia) every evening from 6-9 pm (included with admission). We even met Mrs. Claus greeting guests at the warming station where they could enjoy cocoa and goodies.
The holiday lanterns are delightful and whimsical offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience for families to enjoy this Christmas.
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
GloWild: Around the World photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
North Pole Village is just one section of the GloWild experience. Visitors get to journey "Around the World" as they see landmarks and animals from all seven continents. The Roman Coliseum, Eiffel Tower, Mount Rushmore, and Statue of Liberty are just a few iconic landmarks you'll see. Music for each country sets the scene as you see each display.
While the landmarks are impressive, and the archways are spectacular, I still love the animal scenes best of all. The ocean animals in Australia, the arctic animals, the brown bear, and the orangutans are all charming and fun.
In partnership with Zigong Lantern Group, GloWild: Around the World illuminates the Zoo with custom-lighted sculptures, many with moving parts, and numerous archways and walk-through displays.
Fun Fact: 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.
Performances are held each night at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm near the Elephant Expedition. In the case of inclement weather, performances will be held in the Beastro Lobby Auditorium.
GloWild is a fantastic experience enjoyed by all ages - a must-see in KC this holiday season!
This event does require a separate ticket from daily Zoo admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild.