Zoolumination Canceled Due to Visa Issues for Chinese Light Festival Group

The Nashville Zoo has canceled its 2026 Zoolumination Festival of Lights due to visa issues for the Chinese company that crafted the displays.

InLight Festival Group artisans have traveled to Nashville from Zigong, China, for the partnership since 2019, creating what has been billed as the largest lantern festival in the U.S.

Scene sister publication the Nashville Post received a tip that the Chinese company was experiencing visa issues. When asked for comment, the Nashville Zoo provided a statement that visa applications for the InLight Festival Group artisans were denied. The zoo also stated leadership was unable to find a solution that would allow Zoolumination to continue this year.

"The event’s scale and artistry are made possible by the specialized craftsmanship of InLight Festival Group," reads the zoo's statement. "The company’s expertise has created five years of magical displays for Zoolumination, making lasting memories for families around the country."

Zoo representatives say that, in place of Zoolumination, the zoo will hold a 2026 holiday lights event to be called Glow Wild. The event will feature glowing wildlife, holiday displays and an 85-foot synchronized Christmas tree.

Montreal-based company Immersive Productions will partner with the zoo to develop and implement the new event. Immersive Productions specializes in events including exhibitions, music festivals and holiday attractions, with more than 35 years of experience producing events in the U.S. and Canada, including work with zoos. According to a map on the company's website, it has worked in the Middle Tennessee, Knoxville and Memphis areas. 

The Glow Wild event will open on Nov. 13 and be available nightly through Jan. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are now on sale on the zoo's website.

Holiday beverages and seasonal foods will be available throughout the park's lighted pathways, and there will be an ice rink hosted by the Nashville Predators. Guests can meet Santa in the park from Nov. 27 to Dec. 26.

This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.