GLOW Wild turns Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport into a nighttime lantern trail of animals and nature from around the world. The 2026 festival features more than 40 large-scale displays and hundreds of new, world-debut handcrafted lanterns, plus interactive experiences. It starts in the fall and runs into the holiday season, ending December 20, 2026.
Quick Facts
| Dates | Thursday–Sunday nights, October 1 – December 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 5:30–9:30 p.m. (from November 5, opens at 6:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Oct 9–11 and Oct 31 |
| Where | Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT |
| Tickets | Timed tickets online at beardsleyzoo.org |
Tips
December weekends before the closing date are busiest. Bridgeport is about 75 minutes from Midtown by car or Metro-North. Compare it with New York’s lantern festivals at Queens County Farm and the Bronx Zoo.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport opened in 1922 and is the state’s only zoo. Its collection focuses largely on animals of the Americas, such as red wolves and a South American rainforest exhibit, alongside others including Amur tigers. GLOW Wild turns its paths into an illuminated lantern trail after dark.
Tips
- Book timed tickets online.
- Dress warmly; the trail is outdoors.
- Plan about an hour on the trail.
- The final weekends before closing in December are the busiest.
Getting There
Bridgeport is about 75 minutes from Manhattan by car or Metro-North’s New Haven Line, then a short taxi to the zoo.
More in Connecticut
See our Christmas in Connecticut guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does GLOW Wild end in 2026?
December 20, 2026.
What nights is GLOW Wild open?
Thursday through Sunday.
