SANFORD, Fla. – This is the fifth season of The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild! presented by Publix.
The lanterns are hand-made works of art that are breathtaking by day and by night, they come to life glowing with thousands of LED lights.
“We definitely have about 60 different displays throughout the zoo, lots of interactive pieces this year and then moving parts so take your time walking through the path,” said Zoo Director Stephanie Williams.
The lanterns represent North, Central, and South American native animals and plants.
“One of our most popular lanterns is the Bison along with the prairie grass and firefly lights. At night the grass glows yellow and blows in the breeze so it feels like magic looking at it,” said Williams.
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Dozens of artists from China spent about a month constructing all of the lanterns alongside animals living at the zoo.
“We compare them and say ‘Do our lanterns look like them,’ said Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. onsite coordinator Ruby Wang. “We get inspiration from them.”
Wang said the event is bigger than just lanterns.
“It can become a window for people in the US to get to know about Chinese and Asian culture,” said Williams.
Through displays like the Chinese Zodiac, with twelve animals representing a cycle of 12 years. 2025 is the year of the snake, symbolizing wisdom, elegance, and transformation in Asian culture.
One of the highlights of the lantern festival is a nearly 150-foot-long dragon lantern.
“Dragon is a folklore in Asia and China and people always worship dragons because they believe dragons control all the water phenomena like the sea, river, and rain,” said Wang.
The Asian Lantern Festival runs through Jan. 19 with activities for the entire family. Organizers say although the event is entertaining, it also provides an educational element for all ages.
“The Zoo’s mission is conservation and education and so being able to provide enjoyment with the displays, along with having informative signs with each scene it makes it that much more impactful so visitors can learn about the animals in the wild,” said Williams.
Guests can stroll a 3/4-mile loop around the zoo and enjoy dazzling lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights with interactive elements, all celebrating traditional Asian lantern festivals.
As part of the all-new lanterns for this year’s festival, guests can also experience a festive holiday section featuring dazzling holiday-themed lanterns!
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 19, 2025. Single general admission tickets are $24.99 or save 20% on a Family 4-Pack for $80. Annual Passholders also save, with single tickets at $21 and Family 4-Packs for $72. Guests can purchase timed entry tickets here or visit the zoo’s website for more information.
Entry times are 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. each evening.
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. Exclusive food and beverage items will be available for purchase.