Columbus Zoo | Lantern Festival

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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. Tip: The Lantern Festival is best viewed after the sun sets for the evening.

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

NOTE: The Lantern Festival will be closed on Friday, September 19, for a fundraising event.

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!

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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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NOTE: The Lantern Festival will be closed on Friday, September 19, for a fundraising event.

What's Included

Get ready for a night at the Columbus Zoo unlike any other—where unforgettable moments are around every corner. From custom, jaw-dropping performances created just for this event to exclusive animal encounters, thrilling rides, and interactive photo ops, your evening will be packed with magic and memories. With complimentary parking, character meet-and-greets, and access to favorites like Adventure Cove, North America Trek, and more, this is your chance to explore the Zoo in a whole new light.

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 10-week event.

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Where Can I See Lanterns?

Here are the areas of the Columbus Zoo that will feature stunning lanterns.

Entry Village
Adventure Cove
Conservation Lake
North America Trek
Asia Quest
Shores Park
The Grand Carousel
Congo Social area

The Columbus Zoo's FREE mobile app can provide walking directions to each region, to food, and more!

Download it here.

App Store Google Play

What Entertainment Do You Have Planned?

Make sure your phone is picture-ready! We've got incredible entertainment lined up for you.

Time	Event	Location
7:30pm	Character Ambassador Meet-and-Greets	Lakeside Pavilion
7:30pm	Traditional Lion Dance	Entry Village near lake
8:pm	Traditional Acrobatic Show	Adventure Cove
8:15pm	Traditional Lion Dance	Entry Village near lake
8:30pm	Traditional Acrobatic Show	Lakeside Theater
8:45pm	Traditional Acrobatic Show	Adventure Cove
9:15pm	Traditional Acrobatic Show	Lakeside Theater

If it's a rainy night, all entertainment will move inside the Lakeside Theater near Conservation Lake.

The Columbus Zoo's FREE mobile app can provide walking directions to each region, to food, and more!

App Store Google Play Zoo Map

What Rides will be Open?

Take a spin on some of our most popular Zoo and Adventure Cove rides during your visit! Included with admission.

Tidal Twist
Mission Macaw
Flying Clipper
Havoc Harbor
The Grand Carousel
Columbus Zoo Train

These rides are subject to change without notice based on weather and mechanical conditions.

Learn more about the Rides at the Columbus Zoo

What Animals Can I See?

The focus of the festival are the beautiful lanterns, hand-painted by artisans from China. During the festival, most animals are resting for the evening and will be not viewable. However, some animals can be seen in these regions:

Adventure Cove
North America Trek
Asia Quest
Shores and Aquarium

Times will vary in each region.

Zoo Map

The Lantern Festival is an event that begins after the Zoo closes for the day. Tickets do not include daytime Zoo admission. If you plan on visiting the Zoo during the day as well, consider our Roar and Return tickets above!

What are the Food and Beverage Options?

We have GREAT customized food and drink menus throughout the Zoo!

Village Tap. Shareables and bowls. (V, DF options)
Wildburger. Shareables, burgers, noodle bowls, and dessert options. (V, DF, GF options)
Zoo Tunnel. Chinese donuts, snacks, and bottled water.
Congo Social. Shareables, sandwiches, and pizza. (V, DF options.

guests enjoying Columbus Zoo lantern festival

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!

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