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Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

Join us for a new and spectacular family-friendly event in Central Ohio: the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival! This is a dazzling spectacle featuring over 70 sets of  Asian lanterns highlighting beautiful wildlife scenes from around the world. Multicolored LED animal lanterns will illuminate paths throughout various areas of the Zoo, creating an unforgettable experience.

July 31 - October 5, 2025  |  Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays  |  7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Lanterns

Tickets

The Lantern Festival kicks off AFTER the Columbus Zoo closes for the day. 

Lantern Festival Only

  • Does not include admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium before the festival begins.
  • Members of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, as well as Season Pass holders for Zoombezi Bay, receive discounted admission!

Get Tickets

Roar and Return

  • Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and return later for the Lantern Festival at a discounted rate! 
  • Additional discounts are available for residents of Franklin County, OH.

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Praying Mantis lantern
child on carousel with father figure

 

What's Included

  • Custom jaw-dropping performances curated just for the event
  • Complimentary parking
  • Adventure Cove and Zoo rides like Tidal Twist, Havoc Harbor, and our historic carousel and Columbus Zoo Train
  • Animal areas like Stingray Bay, Manatee Coast, the reptile building, and many more
  • Interactive photo opportunities throughout the Zoo
  • Zoo Character Ambassador meet-and-greets and rolling celebrations

The Lantern Festival is an event that begins after the Zoo closes for the day. Tickets do not include daytime Zoo admission. The lanterns are the true stars of the event. While the animals in our care take a rest during the evening hours, the focus of the Lantern Festival is on creating memories with family and friends during this 8-week event.

Get Tickets FAQ

lantern tigers

Celebrating Centuries-Old Traditions

The Chinese Lantern Festival is a modern celebration of an ancient tradition that began during the Han Dynasty. Once simple lights, today’s lanterns have evolved into intricate, life-sized works of art. 

Crafted with LED bulbs, music, and moving parts, they bring animals and stories to life in dazzling detail!

 

tour group

Want to Take a VIP Tour?

Enjoy our Lantern Festival after the Zoo closes from the convenience of your own golf cart! This after-hours tour ensures you have the Zoo all to yourself, and a tour guide will show you some of the most magical regions. 

Book up to 10 guests, and bring your camera!

Book Your Tour

sea turtle lantern

What to Know Before You Go

We want your visit to the Lantern Festival to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible! 

Check out these friendly tips and hints from our staff. 

Read The Blog