Wild Lights: Around the World returns to the Louisville Zoo

Featuring new lanterns inspired by unique global sites

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce the return of one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation, Wild Lights: Around the World, March 10 through May 21, 2023. Tickets will be on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1.

With an almost entirely new lineup of lanterns, guests will be able to see sights from around the world on their 1.4-mile excursion through the Zoo. Famous landmarks, flora and fauna from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia will be highlighted in six different zones. As families venture through the Zoo’s pathways each evening, they will experience hand-crafted, illuminated art displays comprised of silk-covered, metal frames and LED lightbulbs. The event will feature over 50,000 LED lightbulbs, 18 interactive displays, 8 animated lanterns and 10 light changing pieces that together present a spectacular feast for the eyes. A few lantern highlights include a walk-through cobra corridor, giant blue morpho butterfly, and a 9-foot, shark-themed photo opportunity. Other lanterns to look forward to include the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Hall of Supreme Harmony and so much more! 

This 46-night immersive experience features live cultural performances including Chinese folk dances, acrobatics and more. There will also be unique handcrafted goods available for purchase along with snacks and cocktails by Service Systems Associates (SSA) – the Zoo’s food and amenity vendor.

Wild Lights is in partnership with Stewart Promotions and Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international event design company. 

The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. The festival is a rain or shine event and will be held 6:30 – 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights from March 10 – May 21, 2023 and nightly from March 30 – April 9, 2023.