Our family goes to Birmingham Zoo’s Glow Wild each year for holiday fun, but we all agreed this year was the best yet! There are so many new sights and activities that the kids were already begging to go back before we even left the parking lot at the end of the night!
HanArt Culture creates holiday Chinese-inspired lantern events for Zoo Atlanta, Columbus Zoo, Bronx Zoo, plus others across the country. Lanterns rotate between locations plus new custom lanterns are created just for Birmingham.
What’s New
Each year the Glow Wild experience gets bigger and better. Visitors can expect new and larger lanterns, new entertainment, adult hot chocolate, great memories, and more.
- Enjoy a new Virtual Reality experience featuring a holiday movie and a 3D film with African animals.
- Sample a wide selection of food and drink options (try the adult hot chocolate, YUM!)
- Don’t miss a photo op inside the giant ornament or around the millions of lights at Glow Wild.
The Classic Favorites
My favorite year after year is the decked-out Red Diamond Radiant Express Train, complete with festive holiday music. We snuggled and sang along for the entire ride.
Walk under a massive nautical-inspired entryway as you enter Glow Wild this year. Check out the Holiday Village along Henley Lawn and be sure to get photos
with Santa on select nights.
Stop to warm up at one of the hot chocolate stations around the zoo. Choose from kid-friendly sizes or one of the adult favorites available for purchase for guests over 21.
You can’t beat the snacks! Visit one of the four large fire pits to enjoy a s’mores family pack. Get all the things needed to make the perfect s’mores near the elephant habitat. The churro stations are also a big hit, with cream cheese stuffed churros and dipping sauce options.
Know Before You Go
For more information including weather policies, ride schedules, and to purchase tickets, click here. If you’re a zoo member, be sure to log into your account to save an extra 30% off ticket prices!
Tickets are available at the gate each day but they do offer a bit of a discount if you buy online in advance.
The zoo also offers a group discount on purchases for groups of 15 or more.
What: Glow Wild presented by Chase with support from Alabama Power and UAB Callahan Eye
When: Select dates November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
Tickets: Adults $21.95, Children 2-12 $13.95 when purchased online
Click here for more details and the full schedule.
We know your family will have a memorable, glow-filled night at the Birmingham Zoo just like we did!
