Nashville Zoo Will Host Glow Wild Holiday Event
The zoo is replacing its previous festival with a new light display and ice rink starting November 13.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Ice Shows
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Nashville Zoo will debut the Glow Wild holiday event on November 13, 2026, featuring an 85-foot-tall Christmas tree and an outdoor ice skating rink. The event replaces the former Zoolumination festival and will run nightly through January 3, 2027.
Why it matters
The new event fills a calendar vacancy at the zoo, offering local residents a replacement for the discontinued Zoolumination festival. By incorporating seasonal activities and animal exhibits, the zoo maintains its role as a key community holiday destination.
The Glow Wild event includes an 85-foot-tall Christmas tree and an outdoor ice skating rink, with admission set at $27 for single nights or $39 for a Platinum Pass. Non-members pay $12 for skating while members pay $10.
The players
Nashville Zoo
This facility is a major regional wildlife conservation and education organization located in Tennessee.
The details
Guests can explore animal exhibits like Sumatran tigers and Andean bears while viewing the synchronized light shows. Families may also visit Santa at the Holiday Square between November 24 and December 24, with parking available for $10 for non-members.
Timeline
Glow Wild begins on November 13, 2026.
Santa visits occur from November 24, 2026, through December 24, 2026.
The event concludes on January 3, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The introduction of Glow Wild reflects a strategic pivot in holiday programming, moving away from the established Zoolumination festival model. This transition highlights how institutions adapt seasonal attractions to refresh visitor experiences and maintain market competitiveness.
Visitors can access the event nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. by purchasing tickets through the official website. Members receive benefits including free parking and discounted rates for the ice skating rink.
The takeaway
Visitors planning to attend should book online early to secure their preferred dates during the holiday season. The new ticket structure provides options for both one-time visitors and frequent guests seeking repeat access.
Further reading
For additional information on seasonal attractions, visit Ice Shows.
More information
To purchase tickets or plan your visit, see the Nashville Zoo ticket portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsTalk 1280 WGBF.
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