# Zoo Atlanta: IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival

> Event for families in the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell area (GA). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 21 – Jan 17 · 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Ages: All ages (children 2 and under free; paved stroller and wagon friendly pathways)
- Price: Adults (12+) $20.99–$24.99; children (3–11) $17.99–$19.99; children 2 and under free. Separate evening ticket
- Organizer: Zoo Atlanta & Hanart Culture
- Official page: https://zooatlanta.org/event/illuminights/
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/atlanta/activities/zoo-atlanta-illuminights-at-the-zoo-a-chinese-lantern-festival--listing-38b48478ba15a7e993d695d7

## About

IllumiNights at the Zoo illuminates historic Grant Park with more than 80 handcrafted, larger-than-life wildlife lanterns created by master Chinese artisans using hand-painted silk and thousands of glowing energy-efficient LED lights. Families embark on an enchanting evening stroll along the zoo's paved pathways to marvel at luminous depictions of endangered and majestic creatures from around the world, from towering 20-foot giraffes and radiant pandas to glowing sea turtles, leaping leopards, and a mesmerizing 100-foot illuminated Chinese dragon centerpiece.

While living zoo animals are resting safely indoors for the night, the experience is enriched by festive illuminated photo-ops, seasonal light tunnels, interactive ground projections, and holiday treats including hot cocoa, warm churros, spiced cider, and sweet funnel cakes. The smooth asphalt paths are completely accessible for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. The festival operates on select evenings with timed-entry ticketing to manage pathway capacity.

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