About this event
The Toronto Zoo is glowing after dark. Glow in the Wild, the Zoo's first-of-its-kind nighttime lantern festival, transforms the grounds with more than 2,000 handcrafted illuminated lantern displays — over 100 scenes representing some 500 species of animals and plants — along a 1.5 km walking route through the Americas, Australasia and Core Woods areas.
Every lantern was handmade and hand-painted by artisans from Zigong, China, the city world-famous for lantern making. The highlight is a first-of-its-kind installation telling the story of the endangered Blanding's Turtle, created in collaboration with an Indigenous artist, and the evenings also feature live cultural performances presented in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, plus food and drink along the route.
An after-dark illuminated lantern festival at the Toronto Zoo — giant glowing animals, interactive photo stops and conservation stories, all outdoors. Note that this is a lantern experience, not an animal-viewing visit: the Zoo's animals are not on display during Glow in the Wild.
What to expect
A self-paced 1.5 km outdoor walk past larger-than-life glowing animals and themed scenes, with photo opportunities throughout, select food and beverage locations open, and Glow merchandise for sale. The displays use energy-efficient LED lighting, and the lantern producer reports that more than 90% of the lantern materials are recyclable. The event runs rain or snow, so dress for a winter evening outdoors.
How to get tickets
- Pick your date and entry time — every ticket is for a specific date AND a specific entry time.
- Book in advance on torontozoo.com — popular evenings and holiday-season dates sell out, and the Zoo warns guests to buy only from torontozoo.com, as tickets from unofficial sellers will not be honoured.
- Toronto Zoo members: enter the email associated with your membership at checkout to receive the exclusive member discount.
Worth knowing before you go
- Glow in the Wild is a separately ticketed event — daytime Zoo admission does not include it, and daytime guests may need to exit and re-enter.
- The experience is designed for guests of all ages, and strollers are welcome. Rentals are available at the Conservation Carousel on a first-come, first-served basis: double strollers and carry-all wagons are $15.00 + tax, wheelchairs are complimentary, and ECVs are $40.00 + tax (adults 18+).
- The route is wheelchair accessible. Expect moving lights and music along the way, and please stay on the paths — guests are asked not to touch the lanterns.
- Parking is available in the Zoo's main parking lots at 2000 Meadowvale Road. Parking is NOT included with Glow in the Wild admission — the Zoo's regular parking rate is $20.00.
- By transit: a TTC shuttle on Route 200 runs between Meadowvale Loop and the Zoo roughly every 10–15 minutes on event nights, starting about 30 minutes before the event and ending about 30 minutes after; connect from Route 85 Sheppard East or Route 86 Scarborough at Meadowvale Loop.
- Check the ticketing calendar on the Zoo's site for the entry times on your date.
Details verified against the Toronto Zoo's official website on October 31, 2026. Dates, hours and availability can change — please check the official site before you go. Canadafun.ca is not affiliated with the Toronto Zoo.
