Out looking for a family Holiday Adventure? Are you like me that loves sparkling lights and colors? Well, this one is for you!! The trip to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is worth every penny. More information about the Asian Lantern Festival below.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey at the Asian Lantern Festival in Sanford, FL just 40 minutes from International Drive, Orlando where enchantment awaits at every turn. This unique cultural celebration offers a kaleidoscope of vibrant LED lantern displays, each a masterpiece of artistry and tradition. From the rhythmic dance of colors to the immersive cultural experiences on the ground, the Asian Lantern Festival promises a magical escape.

Just FYI: We are using Orlando, as a landmark as not a lot of people are familiar where Sanford exactly is. People also searches Asian Lantern Festival Orlando on Google for this event. So this is a lot easier for everyone. We have a map and practical information down below to guide you.

For best experience: Open in laptop, desktop or tablet.

Let’s Go!!

Oh what a night!! Our Asian Lantern Festival experience visit date is on 11.19.23, this is the 3rd night since they open and it was a blast!! If you are looking for Christmas Festivals or places you wanna visit with family, this is worth a trip to Sanford, FL. which is the exact location, just 39 miles north of Orlando. More information below.

What is Asian Lantern Festival?

Asian Lantern Festivals are cultural celebrations that involve the display of various types of lanterns, often accompanied by music, performances, and other festivities. These festivals are held in mostly in China and other parts of Asia and are associated with various cultural and religious traditions.

Chinese Lantern Festival: This is one of the most well-known lantern festivals, usually celebrated on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. People often decorate with colorful lanterns, and there are parades and performances. The lanterns symbolize people letting go of the past year and welcoming the new year with good fortune.

The Experience

Get mesmerized as we dive into the heart of Asian traditions, savoring the beauty of LED illuminated larger than life lantern displays. Whether you seek a family adventure, a romantic evening, or simply a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, the Asian Lantern Festival in Orlando is a must-visit, where the spirit of cultural richness and visual splendor unite for an unforgettable experience.

Join me on a journey that transcends the ordinary and transports you to a place of pure wonder and joy through my this blog. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of vibrant lanterns, each telling a story of tradition and artistry. This extraordinary experience promises to whisk you away to a magical space where the rich tapestry of Asian culture unfolds in a symphony of lights, excitements, and shared moments.

Galleries:

Peacock Lantern

As you drive going to the zoo, just before you get to the parking lot, you will see this beautiful big well-lit peacock on your right side, you can’t miss it!! It will get your adrenaline going!! After parking, we walk back here making sure we are not missing anything. It is breathtaking!! Parking is free by the way and there are staff guiding you where to park.

The Flamingos

In front of the entrance, you will see these beautiful flamingos, people stops and take photos here, you can do this either before or after your visit. You exit this way also. People take turns to take pictures.

Entrance

Just right after you enter the zoo entrance, you will see these colorful lantern leaves & it will take your breath away. I can’t forget I kept saying WOW!! I love colors and sparkling lights, I’m just drawn to it. This right here, gives me life!! Tickets are to be purchased online only on their website Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens/tickets.

Breathtaking!!

Birds – Interactive

This one is interactive fun – in front of the birds, behind me on this photo is a microphone where when you talk, the birds echoes what you say or sort of like that. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention but kids were giggling, laughing & having fun is how I remember.

Water Lilies & Power Puff Girls ( lol )

Colorful Larger Than Life Lanterns

This is like you are looking at the 3D LED lanterns in front of your very eyes. It is just so vibrant and full of colors!! No editing needed.

Chinese Zodiacs

Here, you can pose on your Chinese zodiac animal. Each animal has information so you can find your zodiac just in case you don’t know yours. I am dragon and a have a photo with my chinese zodiac animal as I am part Chinese.

Asian Flower Lanterns

This is my next favorite thing!! Just to walk around, stare at the lanterns and sit on the bench in this area is awesomeness!! I have a photo just staring at these beauty but I looked at awe with mouth open so can’t post it..lol. You can find food & beverage section where you can sit and eat in this area.

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Birds & Chicken Lanterns

Yellow Lanterns

Tulip Lanterns

Another favorite. I think everything here is my favorite lol and over using this word “favorite” in this blog. LOL. The paved pathway ends in this section.

Fish Lantern

Here starts the boardwalk, get mesmerized with what you will see next!! It is breathtaking!!

Flower Lanterns

One of the highlights!! You can take time to pose and take pictures. On my case, I waited where everybody was gone and just before others get to this area. I also see people walking back and forth to make sure video and shots are perfect.

At this point, I am in heaven..lol..

Chinese Dragon Lantern

This is a colorful larger than life dragon lantern with long tail. If I’m not mistaken this is the tallest and biggest lantern on display. It took me forever to find an angle on the boardwalk to fit the dragon in the photo.

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Lamps on the boardwalk

Hands down my most favorite spot!! Just walking along the boardwalk with these lamps is just so refreshing that I even told myself, IF EVER I win the lottery, I’m gonna have my own boardwalk with these lamps. It’s giving me a beach relaxing vibe!!

The Boardwalk

Dinosaurs

After this long boardwalk, you are back to paved pathway, here you are bound to see the Animal Kingdom sort of..starts with the Dinosaurs. This area up to the end are mostly for kids where they can joy the animal lanterns.

Animal Kingdom

Sparkling Lanterns

Presented by PUBLIX

And finally..this is presented to you by…charaaaannn…PUBLIX – where shopping is a pleasure!! Haha!! Just love this guys holiday spirit!!

Asian Lantern Festival Location:

The Asian Lantern Festival is located inside the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens  in 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771. This is close to 35 miles north of Orlando or 40 minutes drive depending or where you are coming from. I just based this from International Drive, Orlando.

Practical Information:

I made this FAQ’s to make it easier for you guys, feel free to save it. This is very helpful. Entrance Fee: Adult – $22.99 for ticket only and + Hot Chocolate Package it’s gonna be – $26.98. You will be able to save for $21.00 if you get a Four Pack for a total of $71.00 only. Children ages 2 and under are free but make sure you add them when purchasing a ticket, it will show up $0.00 but you will be needing those tickets. Parking can be muddy when it just rained. Also because this is a zoo, towards the end @ the Animal Kingdom area, there’s some stinky smell..lol..but I was surprise, animals were quiet though.

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Review:

I hope this blog has captured a glimpse of the enchantment and joy I experienced at the Asian Lantern Festival in Orlando. I was told by my readers I am good with what I do as I give helpful informations and captures breathtaking photos of the places I visit. I hope this one captured yours too and will indeed inspire you to visit the Central Florida Zoo to see the Asian Lantern Festival.

Overall, I enjoyed this very much and I highly recommend this. It’s an enchanting experience that promises to captivate your senses and create lasting memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural magic and vibrant atmosphere – it’s an event I highly endorse for anyone seeking a truly memorable and delightful adventure during this holiday season.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I genuinely hope you enjoy the vibrant tales and images shared. Until our next adventure together!!

Pls. comment down below if you enjoyed this blog and let me know which lantern is your most favorite, by interacting it will help my blogging website build up audience and traffic.

Our Upcoming Events

Pls. follow us on Facebook so you could get updated with our travel adventure – Georgia here we come!! Love me some Peaches!! I can’t wait to share with you guys my soon-to-be experience & the photos of Brasstown Bald, GA – the highest point in the state of Georgia. Definitely a must on my bucket list. Also super excited to explore Helen – the little German town & Dahlonega – the best Hallmark Christmas town in Georgia and a little bit of Atlanta.

For the meantime please check out my other BLOGS, they are all informative, fun & tons of breathtaking photos!! Stay in the know!!

About the Author:

Luckily, she survived walking past the Dinosaur area as this is her chinese animal..lol..