Central Florida Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival

The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is returning to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, running select nights from November 13 to January 17.

This after-hours, dazzling celebration transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland with a three-quarter-mile walking path filled with handcrafted, larger-than-life lantern scenes. Lit by more than 10,000 LED lights, the illuminated sculptures depict North American wildlife, a polar experience, cosmic solar system displays, and traditional figures from Chinese folklore.

Ticket Prices

General Admission (Ages 3+): $27.99 per person.
Family 4-Pack Bundle: $89.96 (breaks down to $22.49 per ticket, saving you roughly $22 over buying four individual tickets).
Zoo Passholders: $24 single ticket or $84 for a Family 4-Pack.
Kids 2 and Under: FREE.
Groups (15+ people): $22 per ticket when booked in advance.

Asian Lantern Festival Central Florida Zoo — Photo: Central Florida Zoo

Special Event Nights & Live Music

Several theme nights are planned, featuring live music performances and authentic artisan crafts:

Sensory Nights (Tuesday, December 1, and Tuesday, January 12): Features adjusted sound volumes and softened lighting elements designed specifically for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Adults-Only 18+ Nights (Thursday, December 10, and Tuesday, January 5): Enjoy a mature date-night setting under the stars.
Santa Visits (December 20-23): Perfect for the kids to meet Santa Claus amidst the glowing lanterns right before Christmas.
New Year's Eve Countdown (December 31): Celebrate the new year with a special countdown surrounded by millions of dazzling lights.

Know Before You Go

Buy Online In Advance: You cannot buy tickets at the gate or over the phone. Everything is timed entry (6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.) and must be purchased on the Central Florida Zoo website. Popular nights sell out early.
Maximize Your Loop: Even though you choose a specific entry hour to control crowds, everyone can stay until the gates close at 10 p.m.. Most groups take 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the loop, and you are allowed to walk the path as many times as you like. Last entry is at 9:15 p.m..
It's a Walking Experience: The event is outdoors and held rain or shine (no refunds or exchanges).
No Live Animals: Because it's nighttime, the zoo's residents will be in their night habitats and not on view.
Concessions: There will be local food trucks, seasonal holiday drinks and craft vendors with goods available for purchase along the route.

Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
Dates: Select nights from November 13, 2026, through January 17, 2027

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