Atlanta · every December
IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta 2026
Zoo Atlanta's annual lantern festival: a mile-long stroll past more than 200 hand-painted animal lanterns, with marshmallow roasts and carousel rides, on select evenings from late November through mid-January.
Quick questions
- When is IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta?
- Usually held in December. This year's exact dates appear above as soon as the organizer announces them.
- Where is it held?
- Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta.
- Is it good for kids?
- IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta is a Atlanta family guide — it is picked with kids in mind. The event listing above shows age guidance when the organizer provides it.
Dates for the next edition are usually announced closer to December. Until then, see what's on this weekend in Atlanta.
Updated September 11, 2026 — this guide refreshes whenever the organizer announces dates.