4 minute read
ZOOLUMINATION
BIGGER AND BRIGHTER AT THE NASHVILLE ZOO
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NASHVILLE ZOO
Experience Nashville Zoo in a brand new light at Zoolumination, the largest Chinese lantern festival in the country. Zoolumination will run from November 17, 2023, through February 4, 2024, where guests can witness over 1,000 hand-made, silk Chinese lanterns on nearly three miles of Zoo pathways. These exquisitely constructed lantern scenes will take visitors on a magical journey as they come face-to-face with a 60-foot dragon, fantastical beasts, imagery of Chinese folklore, and more. After a record-breaking turnout of more than 150,000 people last year, this season’s festival will prove to be even bigger and more impressive with brand-new designs.
In addition to the lantern creatures and reimagined Chinese folklore scenes, an entire area of the Zoo will be transformed into Santa’s workshop and village. This is the ultimate winter wonderland destination in all of Nashville and will instantly spark that joyful holiday spirit as guests venture through the festive scenes, complimented by their favorite holiday tunes. The North Pole Express, specialty treats, and even Santa Claus, who made a trip to the Zoo from the North Pole, are all highlighted features of this area. Kiddos can even get their picture taken with Santa and tell him their Christmas wish list from November 24 through December 24.
Zoolumination will feature a live entertainment element where guests can watch Chinese acrobats and entertainers perform nightly at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. These traditionally trained professionals have catered their acts to enhance the Zoolumination experience and are a must-see during an evening at this event.
A Nashville Zoo event is not complete without animals, and several of the Zoo’s animals will be on display in their habitats during Zoolumination. Guests can see the Sumatran tiger, Andean bear, and Caribbean flamingos in their habitat until around 8:00 p.m. and stroll through the Unseen New World, which will be open all night.
A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at different locations throughout Zoolumination. Quills Cafe and Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen will be open, serving reimagined classic Chinese cuisine. Classic Zoo snacks will be available at concession stands until around 8:00 p.m. nightly. Beverages including hot cocoa, cider, specialty cocktails, beer, and more will be available at drink stations on Zoo pathways.
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 the age of 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 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 its designs.
