Save when you buy early Oct. 1- 31 for annual holiday tradition at the Central Florida Zoo
One of Central Florida’s most anticipated holiday traditions is returning to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and guests who purchase tickets early for Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, can save.
From October 1–31, general admission tickets are just $25 each, or $79.96 for a Family 4-Pack — a savings of more than 25% compared with purchasing four individual tickets at the regular price.
Starting November 1, ticket prices will increase to $27.99 for general admission and $89.96 for a Family 4-Pack. Passholders will still enjoy discounted rates of $24 per ticket or $84 per Family 4-Pack.
This wildly popular holiday event will light up the night starting November 13, 2026, and run on select nights through January 17, 2027. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of light and color, as you stroll along the 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights.
This year’s displays will take guests on a journey through space, North American Animals, the Polar experience and traditional Chinese lanterns, blending color, light and sound to create a celebration of art, culture, nature and imagination.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to lock in the best rates and secure preferred dates and times. Tickets must be purchased online for designated timed entry: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m. Space is limited, and nights will sell out quickly.
To purchase presale tickets and save, click here.
“Every year, we look forward to bringing this extraordinary cultural celebration to our community, but this year is especially exciting,” said Richard E. Glover, Jr., CEO. “Many of the lanterns featured in this year’s festival are completely new and have never been seen anywhere in the United States before. Guests will be among the first to experience these spectacular creations when they make their debut at the Zoo, making this year’s festival a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
Now in its seventh year, the festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors. This year’s festival will also feature several special event nights designed to create unique experiences for guests. Sensory Nights will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 12, offering a more inclusive environment with adjusted sound and lighting elements for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. Guests ages 21 and older can also enjoy exclusive adults-only evenings on Thursday, Dec. 10, and Tuesday, Jan. 5.
There are several opportunities for groups looking to experience the magic of the event, as well. Discounted pricing is available for groups of 15 or more on a single night. Event packages with catering and private spaces are also available for corporate events or holiday parties. And there are select opportunities for full buyouts, where groups can reserve their own evening of the festival for a private experience. Those interested in group events should email events@centralfloridazoo.org.
The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
For more information about Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/.
