WORTH THE DRIVE: Asian Lantern Festival will light up the Louisville Zoo starting this weekend

One of the largest lantern festivals in the nation is coming to the Louisville Zoo.

Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival opens March 5 and runs through April 25.

Visitors will stroll along paths illuminated with 65 larger-than-life illuminated displays made with thousands of silk-covered lanterns lit by LED lightbulbs.

The Wild Lights display also includes a 130-foot-long dragon, a color-changing panda tree and an African savanna display.

Visitors can interact with some displays as they stroll through a two-story shark tunnel, take a selfie with glowing angel wings or sway on illuminated swings.

Live performances, handmade Chinese crafts and Asian cuisine will complement the event.

General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online (until 5 p.m. day of the event) for $18.50 for adults, children and seniors and $20.50 at the Zoo admission windows. Children 2 and under are free.

Louisville Zoo members can purchase tickets in advance online (until 5 p.m. day of the event) for $15.50 for adults, children and seniors (60+) and $18.50 at the zoo’s admission windows.

Family four-pack pricing is available for $50 for members and $60 for non-members in advance online only. Family four-pack ticket buyers must enter the event together. There is a $5 parking fee. Group rates are available for 15 or more for $16.

>> WORTH THE DRIVE: Cat-inspired oddities await at Feline Museum

The Louisville  Zoo is located at 1100 Trevilian Way in Louisville, Kentucky.

The display will be open Thursday through Sundays from 6:30-10 p.m. with additional dates March 30-April 1. Each night has three arrival times (6:30, 7:30 or 8:30).

For more information: Website

About the Author