Halloween Parade
One Night Only | October 30 at 6:30 PM
Be merry, not scary! Gather along the GloWild pathway for a family-friendly Halloween Parade featuring beloved mascots, pirates, mermaids, costumed characters, and ambassador animals from the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Designed especially for children, this festive parade brings Halloween fun to life with music, characters, and unforgettable moments.
Costumes are encouraged! Guests of all ages are welcome to dress up, but costumes must remain family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, gory, or violent. Adult guests may not wear masks that fully cover the face. Costumes containing weapon-like props, sharp objects, or potentially unsafe accessories are not permitted.
Don't forget to dress to impress for our Costume Contest! Awards will be presented for:
- Best Child Costume
- Best Adult Costume
- Best Group Costume (2-8 people)
- Best Animal Costume
Trick-or-Treat at GloWild
October 30 & 31 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Bring your trick-or-treat bags and collect sweet treats throughout GloWild! Visit more than 10 candy stations along the illuminated festival route while enjoying all the glowing sights and seasonal fun. It's two nights of candy, costumes, and family-friendly Halloween fun you won't want to miss.
Autumn Fest
Final Weekend: Through November 1 | On GloWild Operating Days
Add even more seasonal fun to your GloWild adventure during the final days of Autumn Fest! Included with admission, families can enjoy classic games like cornhole, giant checkers, tic-tac-toe, Candy Corn Toss, pedal tractors, festive photo opportunities, and a creative leaf-rubbing activity beneath the gazebo.
Warm up with seasonal favorites available from vendor carts, including apple cider, caramel apple slices with toppings, and donuts with fruit compote. November 1 is your last opportunity to experience Autumn Fest activities and catch the Halloween-themed lanterns aboard the KCZoo Railroad before the season changes to holiday magic.
Holidays at GloWild
November 4 Through December 27 | On GloWild Operating Days
Make your GloWild visit even more magical with Holidays at GloWild! Included with admission, families can enjoy festive seasonal experiences, including a ride on the KCZoo Railroad, transformed into the Grinch Express, where holiday fun awaits around every turn.
Stop by Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to help create tasty treats for Santa’s hardworking reindeer or purchase cookies to decorate, then visit Santa Claus to share your holiday wish list and capture a memorable photo.
Tree Lighting at GloWild
November 6 | Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:45 PM
Kick off the holiday season with an evening full of festive cheer at GloWild's annual Tree Lighting Celebration. Join us in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza as the Lyric Opera KC Chorus helps illuminate the Christmas tree at 6:45 PM, with a special appearance from Santa himself!
Enjoy performances from local musicians and school choirs throughout the evening, then explore all the seasonal favorites, including holiday lanterns, Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, the Grinch Express, and more winter wonder waiting throughout GloWild.
Performance Schedule
- 6:10 - 6:35 PM: Horizon Elementary Choir
- 6:35 - 7:10 PM: Opera Artists of KC
- 7:15 - 7:45 PM: Allison Ross
Glimmer at GloWild
November 4 - December 23 | On GloWild Operating Days
Escape to Glimmer, GloWild's festive 21+ holiday pop-up experience located inside the Tropics Event Pavilion. Enjoy creative seasonal cocktails and mocktails, holiday décor, delicious appetizers, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for date nights, gatherings, and celebrations.
Admission to Glimmer includes a GloWild ticket plus a Glimmer wristband. Private VIP igloos are also available for guests looking to elevate their holiday experience.
Learn More & Reserve Your Spot →
Host Your Own GloWild Event
Private Group Experiences | September - December
Make your next gathering glow! Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, coworkers, or clients, GloWild offers unique private event spaces surrounded by the magic of illuminated lantern displays and holiday cheer. Select outdoor venues throughout the Zoo are available for evening reservations during the festival.
Events may be booked from September through December with available times from 6:00-8:00 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM. Onsite catering is available through Levy Restaurants.
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