Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at the Franklin Park Zoo

Hundreds of colorful lanterns are returning to Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo starting in the evening of Friday, July 22, where they will be on display nightly to the public through most of September as part of the “Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience” event.

More than 55 large-scale lantern displays, with many new additions and some returning favorites, will light up the zoo’s 72 acre expanse, the Franklin Park Zoo said in a release. This is the third year for the event.

“As guests stroll the zoo, they will see luminous scenes from the rainforest, whimsical ocean displays with creatures of the deep, glowing corridors of lotus and bamboo, traditional Asian lanterns and a stunning 66 foot long rose corridor,” the Franklin Park Zoo said.

Among the new additions this year is a “colossal” 82-foot-long octopus tunnel with eyes that open and tentacles that change color, the zoo added. The one-way 1.4-mile loop through the Franklin Park Zoo will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes for guests to enjoy, according to the zoo’s website.

The displays will run nightly through Sunday, September 25, the Franklin Park Zoo said, with hours between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. each night. Individual general admission tickets cost $26.95 on the zoo’s website, while a four pack ticket option costs $92.95.

Ticket reservations for a specific date and time are required to bought online in advance for both zoo members and non-members as there is a capacity limit according to the zoo’s website. Tickets are required for all individuals aged two or older and all ticket sales are final and apply rain-or-shine.

Some animals such as zebras, wildebeest, camels and kangaroos will be on exhibit until a half hour before sunset for those visiting the event, the zoo also said online.

The lantern displays are also meant to shine a light on the importance of conserving the planet’s biodiversity.

“Visitors to Boston Lights will have the opportunity to learn more about our commitment to conservation and ways that they can participate in wildlife and habitat preservation,” the Franklin Park Zoo said.

All of the lanterns will be illuminated with energy saving LED lights, according to the zoo. Zoo New England, which manages the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo, has partnered with Tianyu Arts and Culture to bring the experience to Boston.

Zoo New England’s Chief Operating Officer Bob Chabot said the Franklin Park Zoo is “thrilled” to bring back the “unique experience” to the city, according to the release.

“We look forward to welcoming both new and returning visitors of all ages as they immerse themselves in the beauty of the lights. This year, we’re offering visitors a glimpse into outer space, as well as lanterns inspired by the beauty of the natural world,” Chabot said.

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