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 21, 2026, and continuing on select nights through January 3, 2027. Presented by CHASE, this larger-than-life experience invites guests of all ages to explore a breathtaking winter wonderland filled with light, color, and joy.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

Glow Wild 2026 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.
• 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: Step 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.

Glow Wild Schedule – 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

Member Preview Night is Friday, November 20th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Adults Only (18+) Night is Thursday, December 3rd. Purchase your tickets for Adults Only Night here. 

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 tickets sold at 8:00 PM for standard Glow Wild nights)

• *Member Preview Night- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on November 20th
• *Kulture City Night- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on December 2nd

Tickets: Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended due to limited nightly capacity.

Weather: Glow Wild will not be open on rainy nights for everyone’s safety. Updates will be posted online and on social media. Tickets purchased for a closed night can be used on another night during Glow Wild.

Advanced Ticket Pricing (includes 10% tax)

• Adult: $25
• Child (2-12): $16
• Member- Adult: $19
• Member- Child (2-17): $12

For information about group tickets (groups of 15+), contact groups@birminghamzoo.com.

Walk-Up Ticket Pricing (includes 10% tax)

• Adult: $27
• Child (2-12): $17
• Member- Adult: $21
• Member- Child (2-17): $14

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

See below the dates we are open for Glow Wild in 2026/2027! Yellow = Open.