The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild returns to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford for its seventh season, turning the zoo into a glowing holiday attraction. Dragons, sea creatures and animals light up the 0.75‑mile loop with thousands of LED lanterns.
Event Overview
The festival runs on select nights from November through January, presented by Publix. Visitors walk a 0.75‑mile path that winds through handcrafted lanterns created by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
Highlights
This year’s displays showcase a space-themed section, North American wildlife, a polar experience and traditional Chinese lanterns. Two sensory nights adjust sound and lighting for accessibility, and two adults‑only evenings let guests enjoy the show after dark. “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 Glover, the zoo’s CEO, in a news release.
Tickets & Reservations
Family and individual tickets go on sale October 1. Group reservations are already open, and buy‑outs are available for select nights. Interested groups should email [email protected] The event draws more than 100,000 guests annually.
