Running select evenings now through January 14, the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is FULL of incredible, larger-than-life displays, handcrafted lanterns, thousands of colorful LED lights, and one-of-a-kind family photo opportunities. Featuring dozens of current and prehistoric animals, this event is an unforgettable experience for both family and friend groups.
While the Asian Lantern Festival has been running since 2019, this year was my first experience with the event – and I LOVED IT! The Festival has become a “must-do” addition to my annual holiday itinerary, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Let’s dive in to all the festive details:
About the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Presented by Publix, the Asian Lantern Festival takes place inside the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The various displays (including unique photo opportunities and interactive exhibits) are situated around a one-way, 3/4 mile trail through the Zoo grounds. Lanterns include talking birds, flying fish, enormous flower fields, and dinosaur herds. With so much variety, everyone is bound to find a lantern or display that speaks to their passions and interests.
@freaks_of_hhn Wow! We ADORED the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! It’s full of incredible (and huge) animal and dinosaur shaped lantern and photo opportunities. Don’t miss this incredible event- running until Jan 14! #asianlanternfestiveal #centralfloridazoo #centralfloridazoobotanicalgardens #centralfloridazooasianlanternfestival ♬ Midnight City – M83
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Experience
When you arrive at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, you’ll enter the Asian Lantern Festival through a giant flamingo-lined pathway.
As you continue following the one-way trail through the event, you’ll encounter incredible lantern displays and photo opportunities. Some of my favorite exhibits included an expansive representation of the Chinese zodiac and an interactive dinosaur!
You’ll also find special photo frames, moving lanterns, and other unique scenes.
@freaks_of_hhn This interactive Stone Man was such a cool finale to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! #asianlanternfestiveal #centralfloridazoobotanicalgardens #orlando ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
While the trail is mostly paved, you will also need to be able to move over a wooden boardwalk. Please be prepared for potentially uneven terrain.
There are no set time limits inside the event, so you can move at your own pace throughout the displays. Just make sure to pay attention to the Festival hours so that you don’t need to rush through any of the scenes. As an FYI – we spent about two hours at the Zoo, but your timing needs may vary depending on how long you spend looking at the displays, posing for pictures, or playing with some of the more interactive exhibits.
Freaky Thoughts – Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
I absolutely ADORED the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild and all of its incredible scenery. This is truly an exceptional event and well worth the ticket price. Bring your whole family, and DO NOT MISS the Asian Lantern Festival!
Visiting Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
The Asian Lantern Festival is located at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford. Running select evenings now through January 14, guests are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance online at centralfloridazoo.org. Dates may sell out, so don’t wait to purchase your admission!
New Year’s Eve Celebration
On December 31, you can enjoy a special New Year’s Eve celebration at the Asian Lantern Festival. From 5:30-8:30pm, take in all the festive lanterns as well as an exclusive DJ party at the Central Florida Zoo splash pad (Please note: the water will not be turned on). There will also be a fun countdown at 6, 7, and 8pm so even little ones can get in on the holiday fun! Purchase your ticket to the New Year’s Eve celebration on the event’s website.
“This was one of our most popular nights of the festival in 2022, and we’re excited to continue the tradition in 2023,” said Richard E. Glover, Jr., the Zoo’s CEO. “This is the perfect way for families to celebrate the New Year together and make some special memories.”
Event Information:
Location
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3755 W Seminole Blvd
Sanford, FL 32771
Event Dates
Select nights now-Jan 14
Zoo Phone
407.323.4450
Zoo Email
information@centralfloridazoo.org
Event Website
centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/
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