We visited the Nashville Zoo for the annual Zoolumination. Every year the zoo is filled with larger than life Chinese lanterns and the colors and the creativity are really incredible. We learned that every year this festival is different and it is a new experience every time you come. We didn’t know what to expect from this year’s displays, we just knew it would be different from our previous visit. We got really excited as we walked through the opening gate with the dragons facing each other.
The first time we came, the general theme of the displays was around Chinese mythology. But it seems this year there was not one general theme but a variety of themes and ideas all put together. We were first greeted by an array of flowers, butterflies, and insects.
One of the areas had all the animals and characteristics of the Chinese zodiac. It was fun to go through and find our zodiac signs and to read up on what being born in that year means for us. The animals looked like they had just stepped out of a cartoon and were more caricature than maybe what was intended.
An because it was at the zoo, there were a lot of animals. Some of the animals were fanciful like the unicorn, some of them were silly like a llama in a hat, and some were sweet like the family of orangutans. My favorite of the animals though was the under water scene complete with dolphins and giant orca whale. It was an interesting mix of animals both real and imagined.
And then came the beach party section which was bright and fun loving. But it did seem weirdly out of place from the other sections that we had seen. Grooving pineapples were a vibe in themselves.
But the best part of the scenes were the dragons. There was a giant dragon ship pushing its way through the waves looking for adventure, and the beautiful cloud dragon who was given a palace in return for bringing the rain to a land devastated by drought.
Last but not least there was the North Pole Village filled with scenes of the festive time of year. Elf houses, reindeer, snowmen, and other festive sights greet you as you walk through this section. If you visit during November and December, then you can go and meet the man in red himself.
This visit to Zoolumination was certainly different from our last visit. There was such a variety of themes and ideas for all of the lanterns from animals, to dancing pineapples, to dragons, to elves. At first it seemed disjointed and disappointing, but then we really found we loved having no idea of what we would see around the next corner. I always love seeing these displays and the creative genius in creating such beauty from wire and silk.
For other colorful lantern experiences, check out these posts:
Thanks for joining me on this visit to the Nashville Zoo for Zoolumination. May lights and cheer fill you from the outside in.
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