Nashville Zoo has cancelled Zoolumination for the 2026 season, citing visa issues affecting the international artisans who help create the annual lantern festival. Click for More Events
The Zoo announced on social media that visa applications for artisans with InLight Festival Group were denied, preventing the specialized team from traveling from Zigong, China, to Nashville to build the more than 1,000 lanterns typically featured throughout the property.
Since 2019, Zoolumination has grown into what the Zoo describes as the largest lantern festival in the United States. The event relies heavily on the craftsmanship of InLight Festival Group and its artisans, whose work draws on decades of traditional lantern-making techniques.
“Nashville Zoo is disappointed to announce the cancellation of Zoolumination for 2026 due to visa issues affecting our event partner, InLight Festival Group,” the Zoo said in a social media post.
Zoo officials said they couldn’t find a solution that would allow the event to move forward this year. Instead, Nashville Zoo will debut a new holiday attraction called Glow Wild.
The new event will feature illuminated wildlife displays, holiday-themed installations and an 85-foot-tall synchronized Christmas tree.
The Glowing Details:
Guests can expect one-of-a-kind lighted structures exquisitely constructed featuring wildlife, colorful scenes, picturesque walkways, holiday scenes, and more.
Glide under the lights on The Smashville Ice Rink presented by Nashville Predators.
Visitors can warm up with holiday beverages and seasonal foods available throughout the pathways.
Just in time for the holidays, guests are encouraged to spend time at The Holiday Square on Festival Field and meet Santa from Nov. 27, 2026 to Dec. 24, 2026.
Tickets
Single night tickets are $27; children under age 2 are free.
Members save $5 per single night ticket.
Platinum Pass allows unlimited visits throughout the festival dates and is $39 per person, children under age 2 free
The ice rink is $12 for nonmembers, $10 for members. Ice skates included.
Note that advanced tickets are suggested, and it is a rain, snow, or shine event.
Glow Wild will begin Nov. 13, 2026, and run nightly through Jan. 3, 2027. Learn more about Glow Wild here.
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