Lantern Festival

Join us for a new and spectacular family-friendly event in Central Ohio: the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival! Offered Thursdays through Sundays, 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. 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. Here are the areas of the Columbus Zoo that will feature stunning lanterns. The Columbus Zoo's FREE mobile app can provide walking directions to each region, to food, and more! Download it here. Make sure your phone is picture-ready! We've got incredible entertainment lined up for you. 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! Take a spin on some of our most popular Zoo and Adventure Cove rides during your visit! Included with admission. These rides are subject to change without notice based on weather and mechanical conditions. 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:Times will vary in each region. 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! We have GREAT customized food and drink menus throughout the Zoo!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!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!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.