This year’s festival invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a three-quarter-mile stroll through the zoo. Along the pathway, you’ll encounter dozens of hand-constructed lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights, with many interactive elements providing extra fun for both kids and adults. New to this year’s event is a holiday-themed section, where dazzling seasonal lanterns add a festive sparkle to the experience.

See dozens of new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the zoo.

Guide to the Asian Lantern Festival

Begin your adventure along the pathway outside the Central Florida Zoo with towering illuminated flowers and lily pads. Test your agility at the giant frog hop challenge, then snap a picture with the fun giant bird wings display. As you enter the zoo grounds, sparkling lights and vibrant flowers light up the boardwalk. While the splash pad is closed for this event, it is surrounded by colorful mermaids and playful dragons.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms at night into the Asian Lantern Festival.

Near the picnic tables, be sure to stop by the children's garden area to see giant bug displays and a lighted hopscotch board. As you continue along the path, you’ll encounter beautiful features like fluttering butterfly lanterns, traditional Chinese lanterns, a magnificent giant dragon display, and vibrant animal lanterns. Although the Zoo’s playground is closed, the playground area features illuminated ring swings and holiday-themed photo opportunities that the whole family can enjoy.

Stop to admire the beautiful glowing menorah. 

Upon exiting the zoo’s gates, stroll through the new holiday-themed lanterns, including a glowing menorah, dazzling reindeer, and an interactive flower display that emits whimsical smoke rings—a hit with the kids! You can even discover your Chinese zodiac animal based on your birth year before heading home.

Have fun with the interactive light displays. 

Asian Lantern Festival: Know Before You Go

• The Asian Lantern Festival runs on select nights through January 19, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance online, with entry times at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m. Save by purchasing a Family 4-Pack.
• No matter the entry time, guests are welcome to stay until 10 p.m. 
• Plan to spend at least an hour exploring everything the festival has to offer.
• Note: Zoo animals will not be viewable during the event, as they have access to their night habitats.
• Food and beverages are available for purchase at various spots throughout the festival. Sip on a festive hot chocolate and roast fireside S’mores.
• Visit on New Year’s Eve for family-friendly countdowns at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Looking for even more festive lights this holiday season? Check out our guide to the Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando for more sparkling adventures.

Photos by the author