​Experience the magic of Atlanta holiday lights! IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival is back at Zoo Atlanta. The lanterns create a wonderland for zoo visitors to enjoy. 

This nightly event runs 5:30-9:30pm. Select gift shops and food and beverage locations will be open throughout the zoo for purchase of festival-inspired items. 

Most animals go indoors before dark, so they will not be in their habitats during IllumiNights. Visit the lanterns’ real-life counterparts during the day.

Non-weekend and non-holiday nights have price discounts! 

Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.

Looking for great holiday lights in Atlanta? IllumiNights is your must-see event! Perfect for families, couples on a romantic date night, or friends looking for unforgettable fun, this one-of-a-kind holiday lights experience fills your evening with sparkling joy and wonder.

Pro Tip: While the illuminated lantern wildlife steals the show after dark, don’t miss the real animals during daytime visits for a unique, all-day adventure.

What to expect:

Wander through a mile-long trail glowing with spectacular lanterns of exotic animals and vibrant scenes from around the globe.
Cozy up with delicious hot cocoa or indulge in signature holiday cocktails for guests 21 and older.
Gather around roaring fire pits for a classic marshmallow roast and make magical memories.
Capture stunning photos at every turn; your social media followers will love it!

IllumiNights is made possible with support from Beacon Sponsor Kaiser Permanente, Luminary Sponsor Cadence Bank, and Spark Sponsor SouthState Bank.