Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo
Guests stroll along a mile-long outdoor path filled with hundreds of handcrafted lanterns celebrating nature, from deep-sea creatures to soaring birds. The celebration includes a Holiday Village featuring carolers, photo ops, and Santa visits. Visitors can also hop aboard the Red Diamond Express Train, try a holiday virtual reality experience, and enjoy treats like s'mores and hot cocoa.
Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages
See more Christmas events near Birmingham
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Advanced tickets (includes 10% tax): Adult $25; Child (2–12) $16; Member-Adult $19; Member-Child (2–17) $12. Walk-up tickets (includes 10% tax): Adult $27; Child (2–12) $17; Member-Adult $21; Member-Child (2–17) $14. For group tickets (groups of 15+), contact groups@birminghamzoo.com.
Hours
Standard Glow Wild nights: 5:00–9:00 p.m. (last tickets sold at 8:00 p.m.); Member Preview Night: 5:00–8:00 p.m.; Kulture City Night: 6:00–8:00 p.m.; Santa visits: 5:30–7:30 PM.
Neighborhood
Mountain Brook
Food & Drink
Event treats include hot cocoa (spiked for guests 21+), apple cider, s’mores, churros, and classic Zoo treats.
Accessibility
A dedicated KultureCity sensory-friendly night is held on December 2.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance because nightly capacity is limited and advance purchase is strongly recommended.
- Check online or social media for rain updates; the event closes on rainy nights, and closed-night tickets can be used another event night.
- Arrive before 8:00 PM on standard nights, since that is when the last tickets are sold, even though the event runs later.
- Plan Santa visits for a listed select date, since appearances run 5:30–7:30 PM only on specific nights.
- Visit during regular daytime zoo hours if seeing the full range of live animals matters; most head indoors after dark.
Special Events & Promotions
- Member Preview Night on November 20.
- Sensory-friendly Kulture City Night on December 2.
- Adults-only (18+) Night on December 3.
- Santa visits on November 27, 28 and 29, and December 12, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
- Members have separate ticket prices.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Glow Wild suited for?
The event welcomes guests of all ages, and it also has a separate Adults Only night for guests 18 and older.
Should I buy tickets ahead of time?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended because nightly capacity is limited. Last tickets for standard nights are sold before closing.
What can visitors see and do?
Follow the mile-long lantern trail, visit the Holiday Village, ride the Red Diamond Express Train, and try the Elf Power, Inc. virtual reality experience.
What food and drinks are available?
Festive choices include hot cocoa, apple cider, s’mores, and churros. Hot cocoa is spiked for guests 21 and older.
What happens if it rains on the night I booked?
Glow Wild closes on rainy nights for safety. Tickets for a closed night can be used on another Glow Wild night.
Browse Christmas in Birmingham
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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.