Light up the night with Birmingham Zoo’s magical holiday tradition Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration, beginning on November 22 and continuing on select nights all the way through January 4th. The Glow Wild experience is unlike any other—hundreds of massive animal lanterns are set up all throughout the zoo, allowing you to stroll through trails that twinkle from the glow of more than one million lights.
You never know what you might stumble upon—from a giant ever-blooming flower and to a dazzle of zebras nestled among the tall wheatgrass to even a T-rex! If you’re lucky, you might even see a live animal or two—last year I spotted a prowling lion and a swan. The entire mile-long outdoor journey is a winter wonderland that celebrates everything nature has to offer, from deep-sea creatures to soaring birds. (Some of the handcrafted lanterns even move!)
If you’ve been before, you may think you know what’s coming—but be on the lookout for several brand-new installations this year! You can also watch jaw-dropping acrobatic shows nightly at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., featuring international aerialists and performers. Catch the Red Diamond Express Train for a respite from walking and admire the lights displayed through the zoo. You might want to snag some festive snacks and drinks before you hop aboard, including hot cocoa (spiked for guests 21+), apple cider, and classic zoo treats like s’mores and churros.
But wait, there’s more! Head over to the Holiday Village on the lawn to visit with Santa, listen to carolers, and snap a photo or two. You can find the schedule on their website. Not to mention the limited-time virtual reality adventure “Elf Power, Inc.” at the zoo’s Wild Explorer VR Experience. No kids? No problem. If you’re wanting a “silent night,” consider purchasing your ticket on the Adults Only night at Glow Wild on December 4…