By 1808Delaware
After the daytime crowds have gone home and many of the animals have settled in for the evening, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will take on a different kind of life. Glowing dinosaurs, illuminated wildlife and dozens of handcrafted scenes will fill the park when the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival returns August 20 through October 25.
The fall tradition will transform the Zoo into an evening trail of light, sound and movement every Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. More than 70 lantern displays will line the pathways, accompanied by live entertainment, interactive attractions, rides and festival food.
Dinosaurs Join the After-Dark Adventure
Several new features will give returning visitors something different to discover this year.
Dinosaur lanterns will make their festival debut, while new interactive experiences will be located in Adventure Cove and around Conservation Lake. The lake itself will become part of the show with a floating lantern display reflected across the water. Returning favorites will include illuminated animals from around the world, character meet-and-greets, photo locations and the SpectroLantern Rolling Celebration.
A selection of Zoo rides will also be complimentary during the festival, including the Columbus Zoo Train, Grand Carousel, Mission Macaw, Tidal Twist, Flying Clipper and Havoc Harbor. Festival-exclusive food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Centuries of Craftsmanship Meet Modern Light
The festival’s displays are produced by Hanart Culture and created by artisans from Zigong, China, a city known for its lantern-making tradition. The techniques behind the displays reach back to the Han Dynasty, from 206 B.C. to A.D. 220. Today’s artisans combine that traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and LED technology. The result is far removed from a simple row of lanterns. Many of the displays incorporate motion, music and sound, turning the Zoo’s pathways into a series of colorful, illuminated scenes.
Some Animals Stay Up Late Too
Although the lanterns are the main attraction, visitors will still have opportunities to see select animals during the festival.
- In Adventure Cove, the sea lion and seal tunnel will remain open until 10:30 PM, while Stingray Bay will be open for viewing until 10:00 PM. Feeding will not be offered. Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village will remain open until 8:00 PM.
- Along the North America Trek, some animals may move between their indoor and outdoor habitats throughout the evening. The Barn will remain open for viewing until 10:30 PM.
- At Asia Quest, elephants will have access to at least one outdoor yard, weather permitting. The Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center will also remain open until 10:30 PM.
- The Aquarium at Discovery Reef, Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center and Reptile Building will each remain open until 8:30 PM.
A Private View of the Lanterns
Visitors looking for a quieter experience can reserve a VIP Lantern Festival Tour. The guided tours will be offered Mondays through Wednesdays from September 7 through October 21, when the festival is closed to the general public. Guests will travel through the illuminated displays aboard a VIP golf cart while learning about the craftsmanship and inspiration behind the lanterns.
Tours will run from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Planning an Evening at the Festival
The Lantern Festival is a separately ticketed event and is not included with daytime Zoo admission. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged. The festival will be held rain or shine. It will be closed Friday, September 18, for Untamed, the Zoo’s annual conservation gala. Tickets, pricing and additional information are available through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
