New Holiday Light Experience Coming to Nashville Zoo After Zoolumination Cancellation

If you were disappointed to hear that Nashville Zoo's popular Zoolumination would not return in 2026, there's some good news. The zoo won't be going dark this holiday season.

Nashville Zoo has announced Glow Wild, an entirely new holiday light experience taking over the zoo beginning November 13.

A New Holiday Tradition at Nashville Zoo

Earlier this year, we learned that Nashville Zoo's longtime Zoolumination lantern festival had been canceled for 2026. Now the zoo is filling that hole in its holiday calendar with something completely new.

Glow Wild will transform the zoo with glowing wildlife, holiday displays, and a massive 85-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring a synchronized light show.

The event will take place nightly from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

And there's more than just lights!

Select animal exhibits will remain open after dark, including the Sumatran tiger, Andean bear, and flamingos. Santa will also visit the Holiday Square nightly from November 24 through December 24.

You Can Go Ice Skating at the Zoo

Glow Wild will also feature an outdoor ice skating rink, which sounds like a pretty fantastic addition to a holiday trip to Nashville.

Skating costs $12 for non-members and $10 for Nashville Zoo members. The ticket includes skate rental and a 45-minute skate session. The rink is weather-dependent and may close when temperatures climb above 50 degrees.

Glow Wild Tickets

Single-night Glow Wild admission is $27 per person, with children younger than 2 admitted free. Nashville Zoo members save $5 on single-night admission.

If you're thinking you might make more than one trip, the $39 Platinum Pass includes unlimited Glow Wild visits throughout the event. Children 2 and under are also free with the pass.

Parking is just $10, while Nashville Zoo members and Platinum Pass holders park for free. The zoo recommends purchasing tickets in advance and says Glow Wild will take place rain, snow, or shine.

You can get your tickets for Glow Wild now through the official Nashville Zoo website.