Entry No. 218 — the Denver file — filed under: after-dark

Glowing Wild at Denver Zoo

On select spring nights the zoo turns off the daylight routine and lights up as a lantern walk, with around 175 oversized illuminated lanterns and dozens of glowing scenes hand-built by Chinese artisans. Highlights have included a 20-foot-tall illuminated moose and motion-activated 'radiant reef' displays threaded along the dark pathways. You stroll the glowing trail in the evening hours rather than hunting for live animals.

The move: Walk the after-dark lantern trail together, ducking between the giant glowing animals and motion-activated light displays with a hot drink in hand.

📍 Before you go Strongly seasonal (recent run was mid-March to early May, evenings ~6:30-10pm) and may not run every year, so confirm current dates before planning.

• 📍 City Park (Denver)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-23