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Discover the Glow at IllumiNights Lantern Festival by Georgia Power

Illuminate Your Holidays with Outdoor Fun

By Kimberly Wright - Publisher of Decatur Macaroni KID and East Atlanta Macaroni KID November 23, 2024

Atlanta's beloved holiday tradition returns, displaying vistas of brilliantly lit wildlife and enchanting scenes that honor the marvels of nature. This year, we introduce new lanterns and experiences, turning the Zoo into an evening realm of wonder.  IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival, presented by Georgia Power, is now open! It's time to shine! Hundreds of brand-new lanterns illuminate the spectacular wonders of the natural world. This holiday season, celebrate the remarkable biodiversity of Earth with a breathtaking walk that features the diverse fauna and flora of our planet, from the skies to the seas and all that lies between. Enjoy enchanting rides on the Endangered Species Carousel, marshmallow roasts, and warm beverages such as hot chocolate (with festive spirits available for those 21 and older), among other delights. Remember do not miss Elf Power, Inc., a virtual reality holiday adventure at our Wild Explorer VR Theater (This experience requires a separate ticket).

At IllumiNights, the lanterns take center stage as the wildlife, since most of the actual animals are not on exhibit after dusk. For an encounter with living wildlife, I recommend visiting during the day for a unique experience.

Capture moments that will stand out on your Instagram and TikTok. Remember to tag us @zooatlanta and use the hashtags #onlyatzooatlanta, #zooatlanta, and #illuminightzooatlanta. Feel free to use one or all, but most importantly, have fun and seize all the photo opportunities and memories.

Also, if you find any non-working holiday light strings while decorating at home, there's no need to worry— Zoo Atlanta offer recycling for them. Just bring them on your visit and hand them over to the admissions team.