The Larger Than Life Asian Lantern Festival Is Visiting Kentucky For The First Time Next Year
We are fortunate here in Kentucky to have so many unique attractions and things to do, and also that our state often welcomes one-of-a-kind events to the Bluegrass. In the spring of 2020, the Louisville Zoo will host Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival, which will show you the zoo in a whole new light. This Asian Lantern Festival in Kentucky is magical and larger than life and you’ll want to plan ahead to visit this incredible illuminated trail and attraction.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Our lovely Louisville Zoo has been celebrating 50 years of family memories and in 2020 it's going to welcome one of its biggest events ever.
Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival in Kentucky arrives March 5 - April 25 and the landscape of the zoo will be transformed for a magical evening experience.
More than 2,000 Chinese lanterns will adorn the zoo to make up a 1.4-mile walking trail.
The incredible creations will be placed on both land and water, creating a larger than life atmosphere within the zoo. The event will run Thursday - Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., but you can find more exact date and hour information on the FAQ page.
Prepare for a memorable evening that's a wonderful outing for all ages.
The trail is handicapped accessible and stroller friendly as it winds through the zoo. The zoo will remain open its normal hours during the day, but keep in mind a separate ticket must be purchased ahead of time for Wild Lights.
This traveling event includes many favorite installations, such as the 130-foot-long dragon and the walk through shark tunnel.
While most of the lanterns are meant to be viewed and not touched, there are some that are interactive. Look for the color-changing swings and whimsical lily pads, among others.
It's highly recommended that you purchase tickets for this event ahead of time, in case specific dates sell out.
You can save if you are a zoo member and also by purchasing a family four pack of tickets. If you're planning a longer visit, be sure to purchase both tickets for a daytime zoo visit and the evening event (discounts may be available when you do this).
This is such a unique event and Kentucky has never really seen anything like it.
Louisville offers many one-of-a-kind attractions, from the Mega Cavern to the Louisville Slugger Museum, and more. Now it can also add this Asian Lantern Festival to its list, if only for a few weeks.
The festival will also include both Chinese and American cuisine, a marketplace, and performances throughout the evening.
And while most of the animals will not be out and about in the dark, you may be able to catch a glimpse of some of your favorites, such as the bears. And also be sure to hop on the carousel for a ride, which will be open during the event.
Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival in Kentucky is likely to be the must-see attraction in the Bluegrass next year. Experience mesmerizing lanterns and an illuminated trail that will show you the Louisville Zoo in a whole new light. Are you hoping to attend this larger than life festival? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tag anyone who would like to join you!
For more information and to purchase tickets when they go on sale December 1st, visit the Wild Lights website and you can also follow along on Facebook.
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
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