SANFORD, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2024) — One of the most popular holiday traditions in Central Florida is now open at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Guests can see dozens of all-new, larger-than-life, hand-constructed lantern displays, plus an enchanting holiday section, at this year’s highly anticipated Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix.
Guests can celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they stroll a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo and enjoy dazzling lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights with interactive elements, all celebrating traditional Asian lantern festivals. As part of the all-new lanterns for this year’s festival, guests can also experience a festive holiday section featuring dazzling holiday-themed lanterns!
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 19, 2025. Single general admission tickets are $24.99 or save 20% on a Family 4-Pack for $80. Annual Passholders also save, with single tickets at $21 and Family 4-Packs for $72. Guests can purchase timed entry tickets here or visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/ for more information.
Entry times are 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. each evening. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to lock in the best rates and secure preferred dates and times. Tickets must be purchased online for designated timed entry. Exclusive food and beverage items will be available for purchase.
The festival will be open every day during the week of Thanksgiving except Thanksgiving night, as well as most nights before and after Christmas and New Year’s. Celebrate with a visit from Santa on December 13 and 20, and join our New Year’s Eve family-friendly countdown at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“This is a magical time at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests back to Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild for a fifth year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “It’s an incredible experience for the community to come together, and collaborating with Publix again continues to make this event even more special.”
There are several opportunities for groups looking to experience the magic of the event, as well. Discounted pricing is available for groups of 15 or more on a single night. Event packages with catering and private spaces are also available for corporate events or holiday parties. And there are select opportunities for full buyouts, where groups can reserve their own evening of the festival for a private experience. Those interested in group events should email events@centralfloridazoo.org.
This is the fifth year for the festival, which started in 2019 and was not held in 2020. Last year, the event once again broke attendance records, with more than 90,000 people heading through the Zoo’s gates to marvel at the spectacular festival. With all new lanterns joining the festival this year, past attendees can expect a whole new experience with familiar magic!
The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
For more information about Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/.
