Largest Chinese Lantern Festival in the Country Returns to Nashville Zoo

See the Zoo in a whole new light at Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination, the country’s largest Chinese lantern celebration. This year will be bigger and brighter featuring over 1,000 newly crafted, silk Chinese lanterns and will run from November 17, 2023, through February 4, 2024. After a record-breaking turnout of more than 150,000 guests last year, this season’s festival will prove to be even more magical and impressive. The countdown is on as tickets officially go on sale for Zoolumination on Wednesday, September 13.

Nashville Zoo will glow with more than 1,000 authentic, custom-made silk Chinese lanterns displayed throughout the nearly three miles of Zoo pathways. Visitors can expect one-of-a-kind lantern structures exquisitely constructed featuring fantastical beasts, picturesque walkways, Chinese folklore, dragons, creatures and more. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from Chinese acrobats and entertainers who will perform nightly at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm. Venture through a special holiday-themed North Pole Village that will feature the North Pole Express, Santa’s workshop, holiday treats and even visit Santa from November 24 to December 24.

Zoolumination will run nightly from November 17 through January 7 and Thursdays through Sundays from January 11 through February 4. Single night admission to Zoolumination from Monday to Thursday is $23 for adults and $19 for children (ages 2-12). Single night admission from Friday to Sunday is $26 for adults and $22 for children. Members save $2 per single admission ticket. Enjoy unlimited visits throughout the duration of the event with the Platinum Pass which is $39 for adults and $29 for children (ages 2-12). Children under age 2 are free. Please note that advanced tickets are suggested, and it is a rain or shine event. All Nashville Zoo members can enjoy an exclusive, discounted preview night on November 16 before the event opens to the general public.

Nashville Zoo is partnering with Zigong Lantern Group to develop and implement this event. Chinese artists, welders and construction staff from Zigong Lantern Group will help in the design and construction of each lantern in the back of the Zoo property. The production process will take approximately three months. These lanterns will be placed in public viewing areas throughout the Zoo upon completion and will remain in place until the end of the event. All lanterns will be illuminated by environmentally friendly LED lights.

Zigong Lantern Group is a global company and leader in lantern arts with their manufacturing hub located in in Zigong, also known as “Lantern City” in China. Zigong Lantern Group has held lantern festivals in over 16 countries and 30 cities worldwide and has won numerous awards for their designs.

For more information, please visit www.nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination.