The dragon themed arch at the front of the facility is a large proclamation of the wonders to come. Mythical creatures, plants, wildlife and so much more to explore. Zoolumination features over 1,000 freshly crafted, silk Chinese lanterns within stunning scenes plus a winter wonderland at the North Pole Village filled with Christmas cheer and twinkling lights. Santa will be there November 29 through December 24. There is a NEW Smashville Ice Rink presented by the Nashville Predators. Also, of interest is the nightly performances by Chinese acrobats. So, even if you have attended a previous lantern exhibit at the Nashville Zoo you will be treated to new themes paired with plenty of fun!

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo runs through early February 2025.

After the dramatic dragon arch the next wonder is a pathway of pretty lantern flowers and if you look closely you will see snails and other things. Lots of details and imagination goes into each display so take your time to see all the extras. Zoo animals such as orangutans can be seen as well as a unicorn. Another intriguing path was the bug crawl. It they were not so colorful and cute these sizable insects could be scary. The mushroom patch has a trippy vibe to it and Mr. Pineapple welcomes you to his festive beach party. This year the zodiac is represented with kung-fu animals.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo runs through early February 2025.

In the Chinese culture dragons are benevolent symbols with control over watery phenomenon, e.g. summoning rain during a drought. Dragons are featured in art, astrology, festivals, legends and more. Dragons are seen as lucky in Eastern countries quite different to the dangerous, fire-breathing monsters of most Western stories. The festival field at the Zoo is where the most dramatic and largest lanterns are showcased. This year we found ourselves in a busy Chinese city with a sizable ship and a castle-like structure where a dragon resides along with the tale of why it was a hero deserving of such a colorful and colossal home.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo runs through early February 2025.

The chameleon lantern was impressive as it changed colors right before our eyes. Walkways at the Zoo are lined with lights and some tunnels displaying more lanterns and one was a dragon thus keeping in the theme of celebrating the creature. When you see pink lights you know you are near the flamingo pond to see these vocal birds and if you are lucky as we were the bears and tigers maybe be out. Red and green were prevalent shades at the North Pole Village. Some of our favorite lanterns there were reindeer among Christmas trees and a cheerful group of barn animals.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo runs through early February 2025.

Zoolumination is crafted by artisans from the Zigong Lantern Group a leader in lantern arts with their manufacturing hub located in Zigong, also known as "Lantern City" in China. This global corporation has won many awards for their designs and one can see why when they walk through Zigong’s dazzling displays here in Music City. The Nashville Zoo is an educational and entertaining place to explore any time of year. Their team is committed to conservation and is actively involved in breading programs, habitat protection and research. Special events such as Zoolumination supports their mission and is enjoyable (a win-win) so please plan a day or night trip to the Nashville Zoo soon.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo runs through early February 2025.

Related Links: For more information on ZOOLUMINATION and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Zoo | Zigong Lantern Group | Zoolumination Shines and Lights Up the Night at the Nashville Zoo | Zoolumination Is Off to a Roaring Start In Spectacular Return to Nashville Zoo | Zoolumination Is Enchanting and Enlightening in Music City