The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, returns to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford on Nov. 13, bringing illuminated displays, cultural lantern art, and a new solar system attraction to the annual nighttime event.
Running on select nights through Jan. 17, 2027, the festival will feature larger-than-life lanterns inspired by space, North American wildlife and polar environments, along with traditional Chinese lantern designs. The event attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, according to the zoo.
This year’s new solar system display is sponsored by Pro-Tech Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric. The installation will feature oversized lantern sculptures inspired by the wonders of space, adding a new experience to the festival’s collection of illuminated displays.
“We’re proud to support the Asian Lantern Festival and help bring something completely new to the event this year,” said Glenn Good, general manager at Pro-Tech.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. also highlighted the new display as a major addition to this year’s festival.
Asian Lantern Festival Tickets and Admission
Visitors can save on admission by purchasing tickets in advance. Through Oct. 31, general admission costs $25 per person, while a Family 4-Pack is available for $79.96.
Beginning Nov. 1, general admission increases to $27.99 per person, and the Family 4-Pack costs $89.95.
Zoo annual passholders receive discounted admission. Presale pricing is $21 per person or $74 for a Family 4-Pack, increasing to $24 per person or $84 per pack beginning Nov. 1.
All tickets must be purchased online for a designated entry time of 6, 7 or 8 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended because capacity is limited and popular dates may sell out. Parking is free.
Food and beverages will also be available for purchase during the festival.
Sensory Nights and Adults-Only Events
The festival will offer special evenings for visitors seeking different ways to experience the displays.
Sensory Nights are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 12. These events feature adjusted sound and lighting to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.
Adults ages 21 and older can also attend adults-only evenings on Thursday, Dec. 10, and Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Groups can take advantage of discounted pricing for visits involving 15 or more people. The zoo also offers event packages with catering and dedicated spaces, along with full-venue reservations for private gatherings.
Organizations interested in group bookings can contact events@centralfloridazoo.org for additional information.
What to Know Before You Go
What: Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix
When: Nov. 13, through Jan. 17, 2027, on select nights
Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford
Entry times: 6, 7, or 8 p.m.
General admission: $25 through Oct. 31; $27.99 beginning Nov. 1
Family 4-Pack: $79.96 through Oct. 31; $89.95 beginning Nov. 1
Parking: Free
For tickets, event dates, and additional details, visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens website.
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