MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Zoo is bringing back its Lantern Festival for the holidays, with an all-new set of glowing displays opening Nov. 13. The evening event will run through Feb. 14.
Zoo CEO Matt Thompson said the display is completely new this season, so returning visitors and first-timers alike will find something different around the paths.
Festival nights start at 5 p.m. and wrap up at 9:30 p.m., with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. Daytime zoo visitors must leave by 4 p.m. before the gates reopen for the evening event. Tickets are sold online only, are good only for the date and time picked, and are limited in number. Every guest age 2 and older needs a ticket, while babies 23 months and younger get in free. Anyone under 17 must come with an adult at least 18 years old.
Parking is included with a festival ticket, and attendants will help direct cars. The event goes on rain or shine, and tickets cannot be refunded. Food and drinks will be sold on site, and the Farm Train, China Carousel and Zip Line will run for an extra charge. Those three rides are free for holders of Zoo Rides and VIP memberships. Guests should not expect an ice skating rink or a Ferris wheel, which are not part of the festival.
Groups that want to stay the night can book a Lantern Festival Zoo Snooze, the zoo’s only winter overnight package. The basic version costs $1,800 for a group of 15, plus $120 for each additional person, and the upgraded version costs $1,950 for 15, plus $130 per extra guest. Both cap groups at 30 people. Expect s’mores and hot chocolate along the lantern-lit paths as well.
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