(Sanford, FL) Running select evenings through January 19, 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 gorgeous displays, this event is an unforgettable experience for both family and friend groups.
As a relative newcomer to this event, I ADORE all of the beautiful lanterns and fanciful scenes. We were so thrilled to be invited to a special media preview of this annual tradition. Thank you, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, for having us out!
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. This year’s lanterns (almost the entire event changes every year) feature gorgeous birds, traditional Chinese imagery, enormous lily pads, and intricate landscapes. With so much variety, everyone is bound to find a lantern or display that speaks to their passions and interests.
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 lily pad and frog-lined pathway.
As you continue following the one-way trail through the event, you’ll encounter fantastic lantern displays and photo opportunities. Some of my favorite exhibits included a brilliant bison field and colorful dragon!
“This is a magical time at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests back to Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild for a fifth year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “It’s an incredible experience for the community to come together, and collaborating with Publix again continues to make this event even more special.”
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 1.5 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 and all of its stunning 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 19, guests are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance online at centralfloridazoo.org. Single general admission tickets are $24.99 or save 20% on a Family 4-Pack for $80. If you’re a Central Florida Zoo Annual Passholder, you can also save with single tickets at $21 and Family 4-Packs for $72. Dates may sell out, so don’t wait to purchase your admission!
Find out more about the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns. For all the latest updates, follow the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
