There’s A Lantern Festival In Massachusetts And It Promises To Be Magical
By Melissa Mahoney|Published November 11, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Magical experiences come in different forms. Whether it’s visiting one of the Bay State’s natural wonders for the first time, taking a road trip to the most enchanting places around the state, or viewing a spectacular light display, magic can be found everywhere. For several months this year, Southwick’s Zoo is hosting its own magical event called Festival of Illumination: World of Lights, a lantern festival in Massachusetts that’s sure to be spectacular.
Located in Mendon, Southwick's Zoo is home to over 850 animals in recreated natural habitats across 200 acres. You'll find everything from lions and tigers to giraffes, kangaroos, a variety of insects and reptiles, and more! This incredible zoo also offers rides as well as special events throughout the year.
One such event that began in September 2021 and runs through January 2, 2022 is the World of Lights: Festival of Illumination. This lantern festival in Massachusetts is a magical event that stirs wonder and imagination in all who attend!
Featuring handcrafted Chinese lanterns that depict nature scenes from the African savannah to the Great Barrier Reef, and many more in between, you'll be taken on a global journey. Illuminated by thousands of eco-friendly LED lights, this exhibit is set to dazzle and delight!
Starting in September through November 25, 2021, the Festival of Illumination is a walk-thru experience. The event is open at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time at a cost of $25 per person ages three and older. Children two and under are free and do not require a reservation.
Starting on November 26, 2021, the Festival of Illumination becomes a drive-thru experience as the zoo's Winter Wonderland event kicks off. Through January 2, 2022, you will get to see over one million lights, holiday lanterns, visit with Santa, and more!
The cost of the Winter Wonderland experience, which includes both the Festival of Illumination and Santa's Village, is $60 per carload. You can purchase tickets on the website. (Santa will only be available until December 24.)
Do you plan on visiting Southwick’s Zoo for the magical lantern festival in Massachusetts? If you’ve already seen it, please tell your fellow readers all about it in the comments. To book your tickets to Festival of Illumination: World of Lights, visit the Southwick’s Zoo website and give the Facebook page a follow for updates. For more dazzling light displays in Massachusetts, check out our previous article.
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