Atlanta Press Releases category interest

Lantern Festival lights up the holiday season starting November 14

ATLANTA – October 1, 2024 – One of Atlanta’s most distinctive holiday light traditions returns with a stunning contemplation of the wonders of the natural world at IllumiNights at the Zoo presented by Georgia Power. Tickets are now on sale for the experience, which opens on November 14, 2024, and continues through January 19, 2025. IllumiNights is made possible with support from Luminary Sponsor Kaiser Permanente, with additional support from Spark Sponsor SouthState Bank.

After dark, guests will explore a nighttime wonderland on a mile-long stroll featuring hundreds of hand-crafted and hand-painted lanterns celebrating the stunning diversity of the natural world, from the wonders of the seas to the creatures of the skies. All-new lanterns are introduced annually, providing a new experience and fresh holiday memories each year.

Adding to the winter wonders will be warm beverages such as cocoa (signature holiday spirits available for ages 21 and up); a marshmallow roast; and magical rides on the Endangered Species Carousel. Festival-inspired snacks and meal options will be available for purchase at select concession locations. Returning in 2024 is Elf Power, Inc, a holiday virtual reality experience presented in partnership with Immotion at the Zoo’s Wild Explorer VR Theater.

The lanterns are the wildlife at IllumiNights, as most Zoo Atlanta animals go indoors before dark. To visit the Zoo’s living animal population, visit during the day for a different experience.

Member Preview Nights are November 14 through November 17. On these four nights, IllumiNights will open early for Zoo Atlanta Members only, and Members will enjoy a significant discount on tickets. A regular Member discount will be available throughout the run of the event.

IllumiNights will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.) with the exception of select dates, including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Due to limited capacity, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.

IllumiNights is a separate ticketed event and is not included in regular daytime general admission. Learn more and reserve tickets here.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Davis

Director of Communications

rdavis@zooatlanta.org

404.624.2812

Gavin Johnson

Public Relations and Communications Specialist

404.624.5980

gjohnson@zooatlanta.org