Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo
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Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo

Discover Glow Wild, an enchanting holiday lantern festival at the Birmingham Zoo. Wander through the zoo after dark and be amazed by larger-than-life wild animal lantern creations. Enjoy nightly acrobatic shows, a festive train ride, and immersive VR movie experiences. It's a magical experience for all ages, named one of Birmingham's Top Holiday Activities.

What to Expect

Larger-than-life wild animal lantern creations lighting up the night.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Accessibility: The Birmingham Zoo is certified sensory inclusive.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Other Christmas Events Near Birmingham

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Magical, festive, enchanting

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (5/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Select nights, with potential adjustments for cold weather.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Named one of Birmingham’s Top Holiday Activities
  • Special discount nights available
  • Virtual Reality movie experiences available for an additional fee

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlyanimated displaysfestive foodseasonal activitiesholiday seasonzoo eventslight displaysinteractive displays

Location

Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL
35223

Event Details

Duration

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm on select nights

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Mountain Brook

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Birmingham Zoo

Food & Drink

Food and drink options available, including adult hot chocolate.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase tickets in advance online to secure your preferred date and time, especially for popular weekend evenings.
  • Check the zoo's website for the specific schedule of operating nights, as Glow Wild is held on select evenings.
  • Dress in layers, as evenings can be cool, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the zoo grounds.
  • Arrive early to maximize your experience, especially if you plan to enjoy the acrobatic shows at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Consider visiting on a weeknight for a potentially less crowded experience, though weekend nights offer a vibrant atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours for Glow Wild?

Glow Wild is open on select nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It's recommended to check the specific schedule on their website.

Are there any special performances during Glow Wild?

Yes, they offer acrobatic shows nightly at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Can I purchase tickets at the gate?

While tickets can be purchased online, it's highly recommended to buy them in advance as they may sell out, especially for peak dates.

Is the event suitable for young children?

Yes, Glow Wild is a family-friendly event with large animal lanterns and activities suitable for all ages.

Are there any additional costs for activities?

The Virtual Reality movie experiences have an additional cost of $5 for members and $7 for general admission.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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