Event Features
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Live Entertainment | Special Zoolumination entertainers perform nightly at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater.
Animal Friends | Most of our animals go to bed before dark. However, Sumatran tiger, Andean bear and flamingos can stay up until 8:30 pm. Unseen New World will be open all night except on select weekend nights for Night Owls.
Beverages | Hot cocoa (spiked available), beer, margaritas, specialty cocktails, coffee and soda will be available for purchase until around 8:00 pm nightly.
Food | Quills Café & Grill will be open, featuring a delicious seasonal menu, along with Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen serving fresh, made-to-order pizza. Festive sweet treats and classic Zoo snacks will be available at concession stands until around 8:00 pm nightly.
Meet Santa | From Nov. 28 to Dec. 24, meet Santa at the barn behind the Historic Home starting at 5:00 pm.
The Smashville Ice Rink, presented by Nobody Trashes Tennessee | Tickets for ice skating must be purchased in addition to Single-Night Admission or Platinum Pass tickets and include a 45-minute session and skate rentals. Tickets can be purchased online, at Entry Village, or at the ice rink.
Please Note: If the temperature is above 50 degrees, the Smashville Ice Rink will be closed. Guests who purchased skating tickets for that night will receive a full refund.
Chick-fil-A Adventure 4D Theater | Enjoy holiday showings of Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol. Tickets are available at Entry Village and the theater.
Know Before You Go
Advance tickets are suggested!
Parking is $10. Members and Platinum Pass park free.
This is a rain, snow or shine event. No refunds or rainchecks.
Supports for guests with sensory sensitivities
- Families looking to avoid large crowds may find a quieter experience by arriving when gates open at 5 pm on weekday evenings.
- A Zoolumination social story (English version | Spanish version) is available to help guests prepare for their visit.
- Complimentary Zooper Packs are available at the ticket booth and include helpful items such as fidget toys, earplugs and other tools.
Tickets are available online and at the gate on the night of the event. Advance ticket sales are available online only.
Bigger, Brighter, Bolder!
Zoolumination Returns With a Whole New Show
Zoolumination returns this winter with all new lantern scenes full of colorful, whimsical imagery and fantastical beasts you've never seen.
- Chinese artists have reimagined dozens of mythical creatures in bright and colorful scenes throughout the Zoo.
- With twice as many colorful lanterns as before, this walkthrough experience is sure to delight all ages.
- Visit North Pole Village a must-see area, full of festive lights and holiday fun! Plus, Santa will visit each night until Dec. 24
