Glow Wild - A Holiday Lantern Festival for Everyone!

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 with support from Baptist Health, 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 below for schedule of when Santa is here.

✨*Magical Rides: Hop aboard the Red Diamond Express Train for a twinkling ride through the Zoo or take a spin on the newly refurbished Protective Carousel.

✨*Wild Explorer VR: Don’t miss the limited-time virtual reality adventure “Elf Power, Inc.” at the Zoo’s Wild Explorer VR Experience.

*These activities (rides, VR, food and beverage) are not included with admission but can be purchased for an additional cost.

Event Schedule – 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Children’s Zoo and Protective Carousel will be closed Friday, December 4th for a private event.

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

Kulture City Night is a sensory-friendly experience on December 2nd from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Adults Only (18+) Night is Thursday, December 3rd. PURCHASE ADULTS ONLY NIGHT TICKETS HERE.

Santa

See Santa at your Birmingham Zoo on select nights of Glow Wild from 5:30-7:30 PM.

November 27, 28, & 29

December 4, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23

Entertainment

December 5th- Springville Intermediate School Junior Choir

December 6th- Side by Side Community Chorus

December 10th- Dolly Ridge Elementary School Choir

December 11th- Snow Rogers Elementary Choir

December 12th- Pinson Valley High School Mariachi Band

December 13th- John Carroll Catholic High School Choir

December 16th- Vestavia Hills Elementary East Choir (with Birmingham Wind Ensemble, weather permitting)

December 17th- Vestavia Hills Elementary West Celebrated Singers

Interested in adding your choir to the list? Contact Sarah Kate McVeigh at [email protected] for more information.

Plan Your Visit

Event Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Final tickets sales end one hour prior to the event ending.)

Tickets: Advance admission purchase is strongly recommended due to limited nightly capacity. Tickets for the Red Diamond Express, Protective Carousel, and VR are not included with admission but can be purchased separately.

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 Admission 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 [email protected].

Walk-Up Admission Pricing (includes 10% tax)

Adult: $27

Child (2-12): $17

Member- Adult: $21

Member- Child (2-17): $14

Animal Visibility

While most of the Zoo’s animals head indoors after dark, some—including flamingos and elephants—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.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

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