Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild

Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Once again, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will transform at night into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!, presented by Publix.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon this season!

Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See dozens of all-new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals. Exclusive food and beverage items will be available for purchase.

Guests of all ages can enjoy this unique event.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance to ensure entry as many nights will sell out. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated when tickets have sold out. Limited tickets are available per night. Tickets must be purchased for specific entry times: 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m.

Select nights November 15, 2024 through January 19, 2025, 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate with a visit from Santa on December 13 & 20!

Join our New Year’s Eve family-friendly countdown at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

What is the Asian Lantern Festival?

The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is the only event in Central Florida celebrating the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals celebrated throughout Asia for centuries. This inaugural event was created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been transformed into a dazzling evening experience featuring more than 50 larger-than-life displays of illuminated sculptures depicting animals, plants, and traditional Chinese elements. In addition to the hand-made LED lit lanterns, festival attendees will get to enjoy local food and beverage options, live music, and authentic artisan crafts.

Is this event a walking or driving experience?

The festival is a walking journey on a 3/4 mile path around the Zoo. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent on a first come, first served basis. The festival is being held entirely outdoors at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens located at 3755 W. Seminole, Blvd, Sanford FL 32771.

Do I need to buy a Zoo admission ticket?

No. Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is a separate event from the Zoo, and occurs at night outside of normal Zoo operating hours. Only a ticket to Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is required. Purchase tickets online.

How long does it take to walk the entire path?

Typically, it takes most groups one to 1 ½ hours to walk through and see everything. It is a 3/4 mile path. However, do not feel rushed if you take longer. You do not miss anything from the earlier time slots if you choose a later one. Guests are allowed to go around the path more than once. Last entry is at 9:15 p.m.