Last Updated on October 12, 2023
We heard back in September that the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens would be transforming into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, an evening wonderland of lights, color, and sound.
Since we are such big fans of the Central Florida Zoo (located in Sanford), the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is on our MUST DO list.
The event is a full sensory experience. In addition to the lanterns, there is live music, authentic Chinese artisans, and food trucks on-site throughout the festival.
Before entering the main entrance, you will walk through a vibrant path of larger-than-life moons and flowers. You may think you don’t need to go in the gates but you definitely have to.
Once you enter the zoo, you can see 30+ larger-than-life sculptural LED lantern displays. All breathtakingly beautiful.
Every piece was handcrafted on-site by artisans from Tianyu (tē-än-yōō) Arts & Culture, Inc.
Construction
A crew of 30 individuals arrived at the Zoo in October to construct the frames, install the LED lights, cover the framework with Chinese silk, and hand-paint every detail of these awe-inspiring elements.
The crew did an amazing job. You will see flowers and plants…
Many awesome animals …
… and also an array of traditional Asian elements …
… including a nearly 200-foot-long dragon. (This photo doesn’t do it justice. You really must see this whole exhibit up close and personal to get the whole sensory experience).
The Zoo has literally been transformed into a dazzling display of color, light, and also sound. These photos are only give you a glimpse into this wonderland.
If you have the opportunity to go, don’t forget to bring your camera or iPhone/Android. Shhhhh … don’t tell anyone, but all of these photos are from an iPhone 8 Plus.
Tickets & Information
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild runs Wednesday through Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 10 pm through November 17th through January 14, 2020 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). NOTE: This is a separately ticketed event and is not included with regular Zoo admission.
General admission tickets are $20 per person. A special four-pack of tickets is available for $61. Tickets must be purchased for a specific date and will only be valid for admission on the date listed on the ticket.
More information is also available at www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 350 animals in Sanford, Florida. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, providing experiences that excite and inspire actions on behalf of wildlife. www.centralfloridazoo.org
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