Nashville Zoo canceled its 2026 Zoolumination festival after visa applications for the Chinese artisans who build its lantern displays were denied.
Artisans from Zigong, China, have traveled to Nashville in past years to build more than 1,000 lanterns for the festival. The zoo said it couldn’t find a way to continue Zoolumination this year, according to Axios Nashville.
In its place, the zoo will present Glow Wild, a new holiday light show running nightly on operating days from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3. The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The attraction will feature illuminated wildlife displays, holiday scenes and an 85-foot synchronized Christmas tree.
It will also include an outdoor ice rink hosted by the Nashville Predators, seasonal food and drinks, and visits from Santa on select dates. The show is scheduled to run from 5 to 9 p.m. each night.
