Nashville Zoo cancels 2026 Zoolumination festival due to visa issues

Nashville Zoo Zoolumination visa denials Glow Wild lantern festival

The Nashville Zoo has announced the cancellation of its 2026 Zoolumination festival. The decision follows the denial of visa applications for specialized artisans from the InLight Festival Group, who travel from Zigong, China, to construct the elaborate lantern displays.

Zoolumination, which has been held at the zoo since 2019, is considered the largest lantern festival in the United States. Zoo leadership stated they were unable to find an alternative solution to maintain the event following the visa issues.

In place of the lantern festival, the zoo will launch a new holiday event called Glow Wild. Running from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the event will feature glowing wildlife, holiday displays, and an 85-foot-tall synchronized Christmas tree. The zoo is partnering with Montreal-based Immersive Productions to develop the new attraction.

Entities

Immersive Productions · InLight Festival Group · Nashville · Nashville Zoo · Zigong

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Nashville Zoo canceled the 2026 Zoolumination festival because visa applications for artisans were denied. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Immersive Productions will partner with the zoo to implement the Glow Wild event. www.nashvillescene.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Glow Wild event will feature an 85-foot-tall synchronized Christmas tree. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Zoolumination has been held at the Nashville Zoo since 2019. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The zoo will debut a new holiday event called Glow Wild starting November 13, 2026. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The InLight Festival Group artisans travel from Zigong, China. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Glow Wild will run nightly from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. newstalk1280.com · womiowensboro.com · www.nashvillescene.com

Sources

A Popular Nashville Christmas Tradition Won't Return This Year [newstalk1280.com]

3 days ago

A Popular Nashville Christmas Tradition Won't Return This Year [womiowensboro.com]

3 days ago

Zoolumination Canceled Due to Visa Issues for Chinese Light Festival Group [www.nashvillescene.com]

4 days ago