Zoo Atlanta has canceled its 2026 IllumiNights lantern festival. The zoo says it will contact all ticketholders to arrange either a refund or a return visit.
The cancellation follows a problem with event partner Hanart Culture. Zoo Atlanta said the company informed officials this year that it could not bring its artisans to Atlanta to complete the lantern installations. The artisans travel from China to build and install the displays.
Zoo officials explored alternatives, but said they could not find a way to hold the festival at the quality level expected by guests. IllumiNights began in 2021 and features lantern displays throughout the zoo.
The event was presented by Georgia Power, with Huntington Bank as beacon sponsor. Zoo Atlanta says it will remain open for daytime general admission throughout the holiday season, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
