The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for its seventh year, on select nights from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Publix returns as presenting sponsor. The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
The event features handcrafted lanterns lit by more than 10,000 LED lights, arranged on a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo. This year's displays follow themes including space, North American animals, a Polar experience and traditional Chinese lanterns. The festival draws more than 100,000 visitors each season. Zoo CEO Richard E. Glover said the event blends art, culture and nature, and Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring said the company is proud to again support the Zoo and bring the festival to families across Central Florida.
Special event nights include Sensory Nights on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 12, with adjusted sound and lighting for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. Adults-only evenings for guests ages 21 and older are set for Thursday, Dec. 10, and Tuesday, Jan. 5. Family and individual tickets go on sale October 1, 2026. Group reservations are already under way, and buy-outs for select nights are available; group inquiries go to events@centralfloridazoo.org.
Press release issued by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/asian-lantern-festival-into-the-wild-presented-by-publix-returns-for-7th-year-at-central-florida-zoo-botanical-gardens/
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