Zoolumination Chinese Festival of Lights

Zoolumination Chinese Festival of Lights Presented by Anheuser-Busch. See the Zoo in a Whole New Light!
Visit the country's largest Chinese lantern festival featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns!

Bigger and Brighter
With new designs and over a thousand lanterns, some 100 feet long and 50 feet high, this experience will delight all ages!

Fantastical Beasts
Enter a realm of wonder where artists bring mythical creatures and wildlife to life in stunning scenes throughout the Zoo.

North Pole Village
This festive area is a must-see, full of lights, trees and holiday fun! Santa will visit each night, Nov. 29 to Dec. 24.

Event Features

Live Entertainment : Special Zoolumination entertainers perform nightly at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm at the Amphitheater.

Animal Friends : Most of our animals go to bed before dark. However, Sumatran tiger and flamingos can stay up until 8:30 pm. Unseen New World will be open all night except on select weekend nights for Night Owls.

Beverages : Hot cocoa (spiked available), beer, margaritas, specialty cocktails, coffee and soda will be available for purchase until around 8:00 pm nightly.

Food : Quills Cafe and Grill, featuring a delicious Chinese takeout-themed menu, and Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen will be open. Festive sweet treats and classic Zoo snacks will be available at concession stands until around 8:00 pm nightly.

Meet Santa : Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, meet Santa at the barn behind the Historic Home starting at 5:30 pm

The Smashville Ice Rink : Tickets for ice skating must be purchased in addition to Single-Night Admission or Platinum Pass tickets and include a 45-minute session and skate rentals.

This is a rain, snow or shine event. No refunds or rainchecks.

Buy Tickets