Glow Wild - A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone!

The Birmingham Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its dazzling holiday tradition, Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration, beginning November 22, 2025, and continuing on select nights through January 4, 2026. Presented by CHASE Bank with support from Alabama Power and UAB Callahan Eye, this larger-than-life experience invites guests of all ages to explore a breathtaking winter wonderland filled with light, color, and joy.

Now in its highly anticipated return, Glow Wild 2025 promises more than one million lights, hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, and brand-new installations to make this holiday season brighter than ever. Visitors will enjoy a mile-long outdoor journey through vibrant lantern displays celebrating the beauty of the natural world—from deep-sea creatures to soaring birds and everything in between.

Event Highlights

• Lantern Trails: Stroll through a mile of artisan-crafted lanterns showcasing the diversity of nature in radiant color.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy thrilling acrobatic shows nightly at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, featuring international aerialists and performers.
• Seasonal Treats: Savor festive snacks and drinks, including hot cocoa (spiked for guests 21+), apple cider, and classic Zoo treats like s’mores and churros.
• Holiday Village: The Children’s Zoo transforms into a cheerful Holiday Village with Santa visits, carolers, and photo ops. Check BirminghamZoo.com for schedule.
• Magical Rides: Hop aboard the Red Diamond Express Train for a twinkling ride through the Zoo.
• Wild Explorer VR: Don’t miss the limited-time virtual reality adventure “Elf Power, Inc.” at the Zoo’s Wild Explorer VR Experience.

Special Nights to Celebrate

• Friday, November 21 – Zoo Member Preview Night
• Saturday, November 22 – Opening Night Celebration
• Sunday, November 23 – Coca-Cola Caravan Night
• Thursday, December 4 – Adult Night at Glow Wild (ages 18+ only)

Animal Encounters at Night

While most of the Zoo’s animals head indoors after dark, some—including flamingos, elephants, and the lion—may have access to their outdoor habitats during Glow Wild, depending on weather conditions. For a full day of animal encounters, guests are encouraged to visit during regular daytime hours.

Plan Your Visit

• Event Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (last ticket sold at 8:00 PM)
• Tickets: Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended due to limited nightly capacity.
• Weather: Glow Wild is a rain, snow, or shine event—no refunds or rainchecks.

See below the dates we are open for Glow Wild! Yellow = Open.