Immerse yourself in the glow of more than 60 sets of LED lantern displays at The Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival.
image: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
The brilliantly lit animal scenes will glow along the paths throughout various areas of the Zoo.
Explore various aspects of Asian culture with shows each evening, which may include acrobats, kung fu demonstrations, puppetry shows, or folk music performances.
©Hanart
From July 31 – October 5, 2025, experience this colorful celebration of Asian culture produced by Hanart Culture every Thursday through Sunday, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Additional new features for 2025 include interactive lanterns, such as stomp pads, light swings, shower clouds, and more, providing playful ways for guests to engage with the displays. The Columbus Zoo Train, presented by Primrose Schools, is also new this year and included with Lantern Festival admission, with lanterns lining its route around North America Trek for a unique way to experience the Zoo after dark.
image: Grahm S. Jones Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
“We are excited to once again collaborate with Hanart to provide an exceptional experience that celebrates the wonder of wildlife, the richness of Asian culture, and our continued dedication to offering new and exciting opportunities for our community to connect with the Columbus Zoo,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President and CEO Tom Schmid. “This year, we are especially excited to feature the lanterns throughout our new North America Trek region, offering guests even more ways to engage in this remarkable new region.”
Twenty skilled artists from China will be onsite, working to create exquisite scenes that feature animals from around the world. This festival highlights the evolution of lantern making from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.) to the present day, where modern materials and technology bring these masterpieces to life with colorful LED lightbulbs, musical enhancements, sound effects, and visual moving parts.
image: Grahm S. Jones Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Visiting the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival offers a perfect evening out for families and friends and includes:
- Custom, jaw-dropping performances curated specifically for this event
- Complimentary parking
- Select rides such as Mission Macaw, Tidal Twist, Flying Clipper, Havoc Harbor in Adventure Cove, the Columbus Zoo Train, and the Zoo’s historic Grand Carousel
- Interactive features and playful photo opportunities throughout the Zoo
- Themed food and beverages available for purchase
- Zoo Character Ambassador meet-and-greets and rolling celebration trains
Tickets to Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is a separate ticketed event and not included with Zoo admission. Admission rates for non-members are $26.99 for adults and $23.99 for children. Columbus Zoo members receive a discounted admission rate of $19.99 for adults and $16.99 for children. Purchase tickets now!
New! Roar and Return Pass: This two-part ticket replaces last year’s “combo ticket,” providing guests with the opportunity to visit the Zoo during the day and return for the Lantern Festival on a separate date of their choosing, offering added flexibility for planning family fun.
For a more personalized experience, Lantern Specialty Tours will be offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings in September, featuring VIP cart tours through the lantern displays with special conservation stops at Discovery Reef, North America Trek, and Asia Quest.
image: cotc
Animal viewing during nighttime visits
You may not see any/many animals during the Lantern festival. Most are in the sleeping areas after the Zoo closes.
- Adventure Cove: The sea lion and seal tunnel and Stingray Bay will be open until 10 p.m. Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village will be open until 8 p.m. with nightly animal encounters offered at 7:45 p.m.
- North America Trek: Viewing opportunities of select animals are available until dusk, with lantern-lined pathways enhancing the experience.
- Asia Quest: The Asia Quest Interpretive Center will be open until 10:30 p.m. Elephant viewing opportunities will be offered until 8 p.m., with outdoor yard access available to the elephants as weather permits.
- Shores & Aquarium: Discovery Reef Aquarium, Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and the Reptile Building will be open until 8:30 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 W. Powell Rd
Powell, Ohio 43065
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