The Columbus Zoo’s Lantern Festival takes over the zoo after dark, with dozens of oversized handcrafted lanterns lining the paths, rides running into the evening, and two nightly shows. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday evenings, Aug. 20 through Oct. 25, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
What to Expect
Once the zoo closes for the day, more than 70 sets of lanterns take over the grounds, spread across Entry Village, Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, North America Trek, Asia Quest and Shores Park. The lanterns are handcrafted from silk and steel wire by artisans from Zigong, China. This year adds a batch of glowing dinosaur lanterns alongside the usual mix of real and mythical animals.
This Year’s Theme: Dinosaurs
Dinosaur lanterns are new this season, mixed in among the usual lineup of animal displays. Expect everything from creatures that went extinct millions of years ago standing next to lit-up versions of the wildlife you’d see at the zoo during the day.
Rides and Entertainment
A Lantern Festival ticket includes unlimited rides on Tidal Twist, Mission Macaw, Flying Clipper, Havoc Harbor, the Grand Carousel and the Columbus Zoo Train, all included with admission. The zoo also runs two nightly shows built around Asian culture, plus character meet-and-greets throughout the evening.
Rides are subject to change without notice based on weather and mechanical conditions.
Tickets and Special Experiences
Festival tickets are sold separately from regular zoo admission, and zoo, Zoombezi Bay and Wilds members get a discount. You can also add daytime zoo admission to your evening ticket at a discount if you’re planning a full day there.
For a slower-paced night, VIP golf cart tours run on select evenings, with room for up to 10 guests per cart.
Tickets and Special Experiences
Festival tickets are sold separately from regular zoo admission. Lantern Festival-only tickets run $28.95 for adults and $25.95 for children; zoo members pay $21.95 for adults and $18.95 for children.
If you want to spend the day at the zoo too, the Roar and Return ticket bundles zoo admission with your evening Lantern Festival ticket and saves $5 over buying both separately. It runs $58.95 for adults, $56.95 for seniors and $48.95 for children. Franklin County residents get a lower rate on the bundle: $48.95 for adults, $47.95 for seniors and $39.95 for children.
For a slower-paced night, VIP golf cart tours run on select evenings, with room for up to 10 guests per cart.
Can You Still See the Animals?
The lanterns are the main draw, and most animals rest for the evening. A few areas stay open for viewing during the festival, including Adventure Cove, North America Trek, Asia Quest, and Shores and Aquarium.
Food and Drink
Village Tap serves shareables like fries and pork belly burnt ends. Wildburger has potstickers, bang bang shrimp, burgers and sampler platters.
Pro Tips for Families
- Buy tickets ahead of time. Weekend nights can sell out.
- Expect to walk at least a mile, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Dress in layers. Evenings cool off.
- Download the free Columbus Zoo app for maps, food locations and ride updates.
