The Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild returns to Light Up Central Florida Zoo for the Holidays
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will once again transform at nights into the Asian Lantern Festival, from Nov. 13, 2026 - Jan. 17, 2027.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens enchanting Central Florida holiday tradition, Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, is back for a seventh year.
This year's enchanting event will take place on select nights from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
The festival features larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns illuminated by more than 10,000 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.
The lanterns are situated on a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo, providing a truly unique take on a holiday lights show that will leave attendees clamoring to come back again and again with friends and family.
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, featuring the enchanting atmosphere of the festival in a grown-up setting.
“Each year, Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild brings wonder and excitement to our community while showcasing the Zoo in a new way, blending art, culture and nature,” said Richard E. Glover, Zoo CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome guests and proud to continue our collaboration with Publix for another season filled with spectacular displays, unforgettable moments and the magic that has made this event one of Orlando’s premier holiday traditions.”
“Publix is proud to once again support the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and help bring Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild to families across Central Florida,” said Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring. “This extraordinary experience creates lasting memories while celebrating the spirit of the season in a truly unique and inspiring way.”
Now in its seventh year, the festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors, with guests passing through the Zoo’s gates each season to experience the spectacular event.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
Family and individual tickets go on sale October 1, 2026. Reservations for groups are already under way and buy-outs for select nights are also available. Those interested in group events should email events@centralfloridazoo.org.
For more information and to purchase tickets for this year's Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, visit CentralFloridaZoo.org.
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