The Nashville Zoo has announced that it is bringing the very popular Zoolumination back this winter from November 17, 2023 until February 4, 2024! Zoolumination is “the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival” featuring beautiful lit scenes of Chinese folklore. This impressive and awe-inspiring display consists of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns.  

Our family has been to Zoolumination twice - once in 2019 and once last year.  It is such a fun and unique way to experience the Zoo. The first year we went, we only purchased single night tickets, but we liked it so much that last year we purchased the pass which allows you to go as many times as you would like while it is here.

If, like our family, you have been before, the Nashville Zoo has promised never-before-seen displays, as well as some familiar favorites. As in previous years, the holiday-themed North Pole Village will once again be open from November 24 to December 24, and Santa will also be available for visits each night.

In addition to the amazing lantern scenes, the festival also offers special live entertainment and winter-inspired food and drinks. Visitors will also be able to view certain more nocturnal animals. This was extra fun for us last year, because the zoo’s gorgeous Sumatran tiger is almost always sleeping when we visit during the day. But last year we got to see him up and active!

If you are from the area or you are visiting between November and early February, be sure you add this one to your list. Zoolumination is open nightly from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. November 17 - January 7, and then on Thursday-Sunday from January 11 - February 4. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased here. Make sure you check out the “know before you go” information, because this event does take place during hours when the zoo is not normally open.