#Knoxville #United States #Smoky Mountains #Zoo Knoxville #Moment Factory

Smoky Night Lights Now Open at Zoo Knoxville

As the sun sets over Zoo Knoxville, the tranquil landscape undergoes a stunning transformation, giving way to the dazzling Smoky Night Lights event, which is now open for the winter season. This spectacular immersive experience provides guests with a captivating new perspective on the Smokies through a blend of music, lights, and projections, reminiscent of the rich energy and spirit of the Appalachian wilderness.

Set in a natural amphitheater, the event enhances the sensory experience, enveloping guests in the sights and sounds of nature. The newly developed Timber Loop, once a quiet ravine, has been transformed into a vibrant boardwalk. Here, breathtaking vistas, changing lights, and ambient sounds come together to create a unique perspective of the majestic mountain landscape.

Throughout the show, attendees are invited to explore the essence of the seasons as they unfold. From the awakening of a spring dawn to the rich abundance of summer, the warm hues of an autumn sunset, and the serene beauty of winter, each segment resonates with nature's rhythm—gentle and calming, seamlessly shifting to vibrant and alive, echoing the unique seasonal landscapes of the Smokies.

The vital element of this experience is music, which weaves through the atmosphere and immerses guests in a dynamic soundscape where nature and melody converge. This auditory journey has been crafted in collaboration with local artists, infusing Appalachian culture into the experience. The outcome is a moving, multi-sensory presentation that celebrates the pulse and spirit of East Tennessee, mirroring the grandeur of the surrounding mountains.

Bill Street, President and CEO of Zoo Knoxville, expressed excitement about the experience: "Smoky Night Lights is unlike anything Knoxville or East Tennessee has seen before. Our guests will enjoy the Zoo in a new light, with the Timber Loop converted from a previously underutilized area into a fantastic burst of energy and color. Plus, visitors can indulge in seasonal culinary delights, curated cocktails, and local entertainment, making their time at the zoo unforgettable."

This unique production is brought to life by the internationally renowned entertainment studio, Moment Factory. With a portfolio boasting over 550 multimedia experiences globally, this marks their inaugural outdoor collective show, designed specifically for a natural amphitheater and offering a multi-perspective experience.

"We are incredibly proud to be part of this groundbreaking project," stated Mathieu Grainger, Producer at Moment Factory. "The design of this show, set against the backdrop of Zoo Knoxville's natural amphitheater, allows us to capture the beauty of the Smokies in an intimate yet majestic way, creating a space of wonder that surrounds you."

The Smoky Night Lights event runs nightly throughout the winter season, inviting guests to arrive early or linger post-show to savor seasonal cuisine, specialty cocktails, and live local entertainment, thus enriching their evening experience.

For more details about showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit zooknoxville.org.

About Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to wildlife protection in the Smoky Mountains and beyond. Committed to critical conservation initiatives, including the preservation of native red wolves and endangered red pandas, the zoo strives to connect the public to the natural world and inspire protective actions. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Knoxville maintains the highest standards in animal care, ethics, education, and conservation science. Nestled on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville, the zoo operates every day, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

About Moment Factory

Moment Factory is an innovative entertainment studio that forges human connections through unique experiences in lighting, video, and sound, complemented by architecture and interactivity. Headquartered in Montreal, with branches in Tokyo, Paris, New York City, and Singapore, they have created over 550 distinct projects worldwide. Their notable clients include Universal Studios, FIFA, Disney, and Changi Airport Group.