HOLIDAY WONDERS ARE BACK WITH THE RETURN OF ILLUMINIGHTS

Nighttime festival presented by Georgia Power features more than 200 all-new lanterns

WHAT:
The holidays glow with the return of IllumiNights at the Zoo presented by Georgia Power, opening Monday evening, November 20, 2023. The signature nighttime experience comes to light with more than 200 all-new lanterns and scenes celebrating the splendors of nature and magical creatures of the imagination. IllumiNights is made possible with support from Beacon Sponsor SouthState Bank, with additional support from Kaiser Permanente.

From flora to fauna to mythic flights of fancy, the lanterns showcase both the life that shares our planet and creatures that are out of this world. Highlights include spectacular western dragons; a legendary Kraken in an undersea kingdom; a fiery phoenix; and many more. In keeping with Zoo Atlanta’s mission of conservation, each lantern is lit with environmentally friendly LED lights.

New in 2023 is Elf Power Inc., a holiday virtual reality experience presented in partnership with Immotion at the Zoo’s Gorilla Trek VR Theater. Visitors will also enjoy rides on the Endangered Species Carousel; marshmallow roasts; and festive hot beverages (adult beverages available for ages 21 and up).

Member Preview Nights, featuring an exclusive sneak peek and significant discount for Zoo Atlanta Members, run Thursday, November 16 through Sunday, November 19. Following its public opening on November 20, the festival will run nightly with the exception of select dates through January 14, 2024. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the last entry at 8 p.m. Zoo Atlanta Members enjoy discounted tickets throughout the run of the event.

Because IllumiNights is an after-dark experience, most of the Zoo’s living animal population will not be visible. A select few species who typically spend time in their habitats after dark may be visible, including giant pandas (indoor dayroom habitats), Chilean flamingos, and Huacaya alpacas.  

Due to limited capacity, advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Get tickets and full event details at zooatlanta.org/illuminights.

WHEN:
Monday, November 20, 2023 through Sunday, January 14, 2024; 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.)

WHERE:                 
Zoo Atlanta 
800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E.
Atlanta, GA  30315