Skip to Content
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild by the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild by the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild

Join us for this spectacular event
November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026!

Online Ticket Sales Coming Soon

This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again as it hosts the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!, presented by Publix.

Step into a world of light and color like you’ve never seen before. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new twist on our beloved showcase dragon.

Experience the beauty and tradition of Asian lantern festivals right here in Central Florida, and enjoy exclusive seasonal food and drink offerings available for purchase throughout the festival.

This dazzling after-hours event is perfect for guests of all ages and is only available for a limited time.

Tickets are only available online and must be purchased in advance for specific entry times: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m. Space is limited, and nights will sell out quickly. Walk up tickets will not be available. All guests are welcome to stay until 10 p.m. closing, regardless of entry time.

Presented in partnership with:

Tianya Arts & Culture logo

Select nights November 14, 2025 through January 18, 2026, 6-10 p.m.

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

Sensory Nights on December 3 and January 13 are available for individuals and families with disabilities or sensory sensitivities.

Click the calendar for our Asian Lantern Festival schedule.

**DATES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AS TICKETS SELL OUT**

 

 

 

 

Learn more and get your questions answered by reading our FAQ section below!

Tickets Available Soon

Only tickets purchased through the official Zoo website are guaranteed.
Tickets resold or purchased from any other source may not be authentic.

FAQ

Click for answers

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. Get Directions!

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.

Are group tickets available?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more may receive a discount. We also have a limited number of nights available for private events and buyouts. For group tickets or company parties, please contact events@centralfloridazoo.org

What if it rains?

This event is held rain or shine. No refunds or date exchanges are allowed.

What can I expect to see?

All-new themed lantern displays around the Zoo.
Unique crafts, live music, and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens like you’ve never seen them before.

Will I see animals?

No. Our animals have access to their night habitats for their safety and comfort. Please visit the Zoo during normal operating hours if you wish to see animals.

When is the last time I can enter the festival?

The last admission time is at 9:15 p.m. No exceptions.

Will there be food?

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Can I purchase tickets at the ticket window or over the phone?

No. Tickets can only be purchased on our website.

How do Family 4-Packs work?

Four-packs allow guests to take advantage of extra savings! One four-pack includes four tickets to the event. All tickets need to be used on the same date and time. If a four-pack is not used in its entirety, it cannot be redeemed for another night.

If I am a Zoo Annual Pass Holder, can I come in for free?

No. The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is an event that takes place outside of normal Zoo operating hours, and therefore, not included your passholder benefits. However, we do offer our passholders a discounted rate! Just check your inbox for purchasing instructions or follow the link here.

If a night shows to be sold out, will more tickets become available?

If a night shows to be sold out on our website, then it is truly sold out. However, there is a chance that multiple guests are shopping at once and have some of the last remaining tickets in their shopping carts. If they do not proceed with their transactions, then yes, the tickets would then become available again. We encourage you to check back periodically or, of course, take advantage of another open night.

Do I need to show up on my selected day and time?

Yes. We set capacities on all dates and times so that guests have a smooth flow of traffic, available parking, and the best experience possible.

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.

Can I go around the lantern path more than once?

Yes, guests may walk the lantern path as many times as they choose.

Can I leave and re-enter?

No re-entry is allowed.

The Asian Lantern Festival is a separately ticketed event and is not included with regular Zoo admission. Tickets are non-refundable. Additional fees may apply for certain activities.

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

 

Entertainment Sponsor

 

Thank You To Our Lantern Sponsors!


Diamond Level

Platinum Level

 

Silver Level 

Bronze Level

 

For event sponsorship inquiries, please contact us at development@centralfloridazoo.org.

 

 

  • Saving reptiles and amphibians
  • Saving Animals From Extinction
  • Culture Builds Florida
  • Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums