The zoo said the cancellation stems from problems at Hanart Culture, the event partner that designs and installs the lanterns. In a statement, Zoo Atlanta said it was "disappointed to announce the cancelation of its 2026 lantern festival, IllumiNights presented by Georgia Power, due to challenges affecting the IllumiNights event partner, Hanart Culture."

The installations are not off-the-shelf decorations. They require specialized craftsmanship, and Hanart Culture's team of artisans has traveled from China each year to construct and install the displays across the zoo. This year, the zoo said, Hanart Culture informed officials that it could not bring its artisans to Atlanta to complete the work.

Zoo Atlanta said it explored alternatives before deciding to cancel, but could not find a way to stage the event at the standard visitors have come to expect. "Despite exhausting all efforts, we were unable to find a solution that would allow us to present the festival this season at the level of quality our guests have come to expect," the zoo said.

Georgia Power is the festival's presenting sponsor, and Huntington Bank serves as beacon sponsor.

The loss of IllumiNights removes a signature evening tradition from Atlanta's holiday calendar, one that has drawn families to the zoo after dark for five seasons. Zoo officials acknowledged the disruption in their statement. "We appreciate everyone in our community who has supported this event, and we apologize for any inconveniences or disruption to holiday plans or traditions," the organization said.

Ticketholders will be contacted directly by the zoo to arrange a refund or a return visit. Zoo Atlanta remains open daily for daytime general admission throughout the holiday season, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.