Is Zoolumination Happening in 2026? Meet Glow Wild, the Nashville Zoo's New Holiday Light Show
By Paul Whitten, Founder of Nashville Adventures
Sad Fact: Zoolumination is not happening in 2026. The Nashville Zoo canceled its famous Chinese lantern festival after visa problems grounded the artisans who build it, and in its place the zoo has rolled out a brand new holiday light show called Glow Wild, running nightly from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
I know a lot of families who planned their whole December around that lantern walk. So let me tell you straight what happened, what is replacing it, and whether it is worth your evening.
Short version: the lights still go on, just in a new form.
Nashville keeps its December glow even as Zoolumination takes a year off.
Is Zoolumination Happening in 2026?
No. Zoolumination is canceled for the 2026 season. The Nashville Zoo pulled the plug after the visa applications for its artisan partners were denied (Fox 17 News), and there was no way to build the lantern festival without them.
Those artisans came from Zigong, China, the lantern capital of the world, through the zoo's partnership with the InLight Festival Group. Zigong craftspeople hand-build the silk-and-steel lanterns that made Zoolumination one of the largest Chinese lantern festivals in the country. No artisans, no lanterns.
Zoolumination has been canceled for 2026 due to visa issues affecting our event partner. Nashville Zoo (via Nashville Zoo)
It is a gut punch for a signature event. But give the zoo credit, they did not just go dark for the holidays.
What Is Glow Wild, the New Nashville Zoo Light Show?
Glow Wild is the Nashville Zoo's brand new holiday light show, built in-house to fill the hole Zoolumination left. It runs nightly from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Instead of imported silk lanterns, Glow Wild leans into the zoo itself. Here is what you walk through:
An 85-foot Christmas tree with a synchronized light-and-music show.
Illuminated wildlife structures and glowing walkways winding through the park.
The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by the Nashville Predators, for actual ice skating.
Santa at Holiday Square on Festival Field, November 27 through December 24.
Seasonal food and holiday drinks along the paths.
It is a different animal than Zoolumination, more homegrown Nashville and less imported spectacle. For a first year, that is a smart pivot.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home of the new Glow Wild light show.
Glow Wild Tickets, Dates, and Hours
Glow Wild tickets are $27 per person for a single night, with children under two free and Nashville Zoo members getting $5 off. If you plan to go more than once, the $39 Platinum Pass covers unlimited admission for the whole run.
The show runs nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., November 13 through January 3, rain, snow, or shine. Ice skating at the Smashville rink is an add-on at $12 for nonmembers and $10 for members, with skate rentals included. The zoo recommends buying timed tickets in advance on the zoo's official Glow Wild page, because the best nights sell out.
A local tip: the week before Christmas is the busiest stretch, so if you want elbow room, aim for a weeknight in mid-December.
Make It a Full Nashville Holiday Night
Glow Wild is one stop in a city that goes all in on Christmas lights. If you are building a holiday itinerary, stack it with the others.
My short list every December: the Cheekwood Holiday Lights out in Belle Meade, A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, and the drive-through Dancing Lights of Christmas over in Lebanon. Glow Wild fits neatly into that lineup for a family night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoolumination happening in 2026?
No. Zoolumination is canceled for the 2026 season because visa applications for the Zigong, China artisans who build its lanterns were denied. The Nashville Zoo is running a new holiday light show called Glow Wild in its place, from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
What is Glow Wild at the Nashville Zoo?
Glow Wild is the Nashville Zoo's new holiday light show for 2026, built to replace Zoolumination. It features an 85-foot synchronized Christmas tree, illuminated wildlife structures, glowing walkways, ice skating at the Smashville rink, visits with Santa, and seasonal food and drinks.
When does Glow Wild run in 2026?
Glow Wild runs nightly from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m., held rain, snow, or shine. Santa visits at Holiday Square run November 27 through December 24. The zoo recommends buying timed-entry tickets in advance.
How much are Glow Wild tickets?
Single-night Glow Wild admission is $27 per person, with children under two free and Nashville Zoo members getting $5 off. A $39 Platinum Pass covers unlimited visits for the season. Ice skating is an add-on at $12 for nonmembers and $10 for members, skate rentals included.
Why was Zoolumination canceled?
Zoolumination was canceled for 2026 because the United States denied visas for the artisans from Zigong, China who hand-build its silk lanterns through the zoo's partner, the InLight Festival Group. Without those craftspeople, the zoo could not produce the lantern festival and created Glow Wild instead.
Is Glow Wild good for young kids?
Yes. Glow Wild is built for families, with a stroller-friendly walking path, an 85-foot musical tree, Santa visits from late November, ice skating, and holiday treats. Go early in the evening on a weeknight for the calmest experience with little ones.
Come for the Lights, Stay for the Story
Here is my honest take as a guy who runs this city for a living.
Losing Zoolumination stings, but Nashville does not do a quiet December, and Glow Wild plus the Cheekwood and Opryland shows still make this one of the best holiday light towns in the South. Spend your evening with the zoo's glowing tree, then give me a morning: I will walk you through the real Music City on a Nashville walking tour and tell you the stories behind the lights. Reach out through Nashville Adventures and we will build your holiday weekend around it.
Paul Whitten is the founder of Nashville Adventures, a veteran-owned walking tour company in Music City. A US Army and Peace Corps veteran turned Nashville historian, he leads tours through the city's real stories almost every week. More about Paul and the company is on our veteran-owned story page.
