Zoo Atlanta, January 17, 2026
Zoo Atlanta’s IllumiNights festival offers a final opportunity to experience stunning artisan-crafted lantern displays that illuminate nature and wildlife. The event concludes this January, showcasing over 200 new lanterns and various interactive features. Attendees can enjoy family-friendly activities, marshmallow roasts, and themed rides. This festival embodies the spirit of community engagement and conservation, promoting the importance of preserving the environment while providing a magical experience for families. Join the festivities before this beloved tradition wraps up for the season.
IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta: Celebrate the Finale of a Dazzling Tradition!
As the vibrant glow of the holiday season gently fades across our city, Atlanta prepares for the final weekend of a truly spectacular local event. IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Lantern Festival, presented by Georgia Power, offers a final opportunity for families and individuals to experience a unique blend of artistry, nature, and community engagement. This signature festival, which has illuminated the nights since late November, concludes its run on Sunday, January 18, 2026, showcasing the remarkable initiative and collaborative spirit that enriches our Atlanta community.
The success of events like IllumiNights is a testament to the powerful combination of dedicated local organizers, visionary private partnerships, and enthusiastic public participation. It highlights how proactive engagement and streamlined efforts can transform a local institution into a dynamic hub of activity, fostering civic innovation and delivering memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. This festival stands as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can thrive, bringing joy and a sense of shared wonder to our bustling metropolis.
A Spectacle of Light and Imagination
Zoo Atlanta is transformed into a dazzling nighttime wonderland, offering a mile-long stroll through hundreds of artisan-crafted lanterns. These breathtaking displays celebrate the natural world, depicting exotic animals and vibrant scenes from across the globe, from the fins of the seas to the wings of the skies, encompassing both flora and fauna. This season’s iteration introduces more than 200 new lanterns, ensuring a fresh and captivating experience for returning guests. The dedication and individual achievement of the artisans behind these intricate creations are evident in every luminous detail, turning the Zoo into a temporary gallery of light-infused art.
Among the new highlights for this year are a more than 20-foot-long flower wall, sparkling archways, canopies, and interactive lanterns that bring the magic to life. These additions enhance the immersive experience, inviting personal engagement and providing unique photo opportunities that capture the festive spirit of the occasion. Such thoughtful innovations demonstrate how local attractions continuously seek to improve and adapt, driven by a desire to offer fresh and exciting entertainment for the Atlanta community.
Conservation Illuminated: A Mission Through Art
Beyond the visual splendor, IllumiNights serves a deeper purpose, subtly intertwining with Zoo Atlanta’s overarching mission of conservation. In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, each of the festival’s lanterns is powered with environmentally friendly LED lights. This commitment reflects Zoo Atlanta’s broader “Going Green” initiatives, which include internal recycling programs, waste reduction efforts, and a focus on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified construction projects like the Zambezi Elephant Center and the Scaly Slimy Spectacular. It’s a clear example of how private institutions can lead by example in responsible resource management.
Zoo Atlanta is globally recognized for its conservation efforts, actively participating in field conservation programs across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and right here in Georgia. For 2026, the Zoo has committed to supporting seven international conservation programs through its Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund, protecting diverse wildlife from orangutans in Borneo to red pandas in Nepal. The IllumiNights festival, while entertaining, provides an accessible entry point for families to connect with these vital messages, understanding the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Crafting Memorable Family Moments
IllumiNights is designed as a premier family and kids’ event, offering a variety of activities to ensure an unforgettable experience. Guests can gather around roaring fire pits for classic marshmallow roasts, adding a cozy, traditional touch to the glowing spectacle. Warm beverages, including spirited cocktails for guests 21 and older, are available, catering to adults who wish to enjoy a festive evening. The Endangered Species Carousel provides magical rides, delighting younger visitors and adding to the whimsical atmosphere.
For those seeking additional adventures, the Wild Explorer VR Theater offers limited-time virtual reality experiences such as “Elf Power Inc.,” a holiday adventure for children, and “Thrill Coaster Shanghai,” a virtual roller coaster, available for an additional ticket purchase. Throughout the Zoo, select concession locations offer a range of festival-inspired beverages, snacks, and meals for purchase, ensuring that all individual preferences are met. It’s worth noting that while the lanterns steal the show after dark, most of the Zoo’s living animals go indoors before nightfall, encouraging visitors to plan a daytime visit to see them.
Empowering Community Engagement Through Local Events
The accessibility and organization of IllumiNights exemplify effective community engagement. As a separate ticketed event, not included in regular daytime general admission, it requires individual initiative for planning and participation. The availability of various ticket prices—from adult and child general admission to senior and group rates, with free entry for children 2 and under—demonstrates a consideration for diverse family structures and budgets. However, due to limited capacity, advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged, a practical measure that minimizes bureaucracy at entry and enhances the visitor experience. This system allows for efficient management of crowds, enabling more people to enjoy the event smoothly.
The event’s success is also supported by strong private partnerships, including Georgia Power as the presenting sponsor, and additional support from Beacon Sponsor Kaiser Permanente, Luminary Sponsor Cadence Bank, and Spark Sponsor SouthState Bank. These collaborations are crucial for bringing large-scale public events to fruition, highlighting how private sector investment complements civic aspirations to create enriching local experiences for Atlanta, GA, events.
A Lasting Impact on Atlanta’s Vitality
As IllumiNights at the Zoo prepares for its final moments of the season, it leaves behind a legacy of community enrichment and a blueprint for civic innovation. The commitment of Zoo Atlanta’s leadership, coupled with strategic private sector involvement, provides a shining example of how local institutions can flourish and serve as catalysts for Atlanta community growth. This festival, a highlight in Atlanta’s calendar of family activities, underscores the value of personal initiative in planning engaging outings and the positive impact of well-organized, accessible events on the city’s overall vitality.
Don’t miss the concluding opportunity to be part of this Atlanta tradition on January 17th and 18th, 2026. Supporting local events like IllumiNights strengthens our community fabric and encourages the continued development of diverse and engaging experiences for everyone. It’s an invitation to step out, engage, and celebrate the collective spirit that makes Atlanta a truly special place.
Frequently Asked Questions about IllumiNights at the Zoo
- What are the dates for IllumiNights at the Zoo?
- IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Lantern Festival runs on select nights from November 21, 2025, through January 18, 2026. The final weekend is January 17th to January 18th, 2026.
- What are the operating hours for IllumiNights?
- The event is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the last entry at 8 p.m.
- What can visitors expect to see at IllumiNights?
- Visitors can enjoy a mile-long stroll among hundreds of artisan-crafted lanterns depicting exotic animals and vibrant scenes celebrating the natural world. The event features more than 200 new lanterns, a 20-foot-long flower wall, sparkling archways, canopies, and interactive lanterns.
- Are the Zoo animals visible during IllumiNights?
- No, most animals go indoors before dark and will not be visible during IllumiNights. Guests are encouraged to visit during the day to see the living animal population.
- What activities and amenities are available at IllumiNights?
- Attendees can enjoy marshmallow roasts, warm beverages (including adult spirits for guests 21+), rides on the Endangered Species Carousel, and photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available for purchase, and virtual reality experiences are offered for an additional ticket.
- How much are tickets for IllumiNights at the Zoo?
- General admission for adults (12+) is $20.99–$24.99, children (3–11) is $17.99–$19.99, and seniors (65+) is $17.99–$21.99. Children 2 and under are free. Member and group pricing are also available. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged due to limited capacity.
Key Features of IllumiNights at the Zoo
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | Select nights from November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026. The final weekend is January 17th – January 18th, 2026. |
| Operating Hours | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.). |
| Location | Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. |
| Lantern Displays | Hundreds of artisan-crafted lanterns depicting exotic animals and natural scenes from around the globe, powered by environmentally friendly LED lights. Includes over 200 new lanterns, a 20-foot flower wall, archways, canopies, and interactive lanterns. |
| Family Activities | Marshmallow roasts, warm beverages (including adult spirits for guests 21+), Endangered Species Carousel rides, and unique photo opportunities. |
| Food & Beverages | Available for purchase at select concession locations. |
| Additional Experiences | VR Theater experiences (Elf Power Inc., Thrill Coaster Shanghai) available for an additional ticket. |
| Conservation Focus | Utilizes environmentally friendly LED lights in lanterns, aligning with Zoo Atlanta’s conservation mission. Zoo Atlanta supports global conservation efforts. |
| Ticket Information | Separate ticketed event. Advance purchase strongly encouraged due to limited capacity. General admission pricing varies by age, with children 2 and under free. |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
