COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is set to illuminate the night with its Lantern Festival, returning to celebrate Asian culture with an updated and expanded event.
“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 Tom Schmid, president and CEO. “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.”
The festival will run from July 31 to Oct. 5, on select Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will feature lanterns representing North American species and mythical creatures, such as a western green dragon, a burning phoenix, a griffin, Quetzalcoatl, unicorns, and Pegasus.
The festival will also include interactive lanterns, such as stomp pads, light swings, and shower clouds, providing entertainment throughout the night. Guests can enjoy a special trip on the Columbus Zoo Train, included in the Lantern Festival admission, with lanterns along its route through the North America Trek.
Artisans from Zigong, China, will be responsible for installing and maintaining the handcrafted lantern displays. “This centuries-old craftsmanship takes nearly 30,000 hours to design, shape, and bring each lantern to life, and every lantern guests see at the Columbus Zoo is handcrafted by masters from Zigong, China,” said George Zhao, president of Hanart Culture, the event producer.
The festival promises custom performances, complimentary parking, select rides, interactive features, themed food and beverages, and Zoo Character Ambassador meet-and-greets. Visitors should note that the Lantern Festival is a special ticketed event. Nonmembers can purchase tickets for $26.99 for adults and $23.99 for children, while members receive discounted rates of $19.99 for adults and $16.99 for children. A Roar and Return Pass allows guests to visit the zoo during the day and return for the festival on a separate date. Lantern Specialty Tours and VIP cart tours are also available.
The zoo emphasizes that the lanterns will be the “true stars of the event,” with zoo animals resting during the evening. However, some animal viewing opportunities will be available at select times during the festival.
