The Memphis Zoo has said goodbye to its Zoo Lights and is saying hello to a new display with its inaugural Lantern Festival, running now through February 1st on select nights.
“Picture the Zoo glowing with color, giant walk-through tunnels, towering lanterns, and interactive pieces that bring the whole place to life,” says Amanda Moses, the zoo’s marketing and communications manager. “It is bright, artistic, and larger in scale than anything we have done before.”
Created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture and presented by Truist, the Lantern Festival features more than 60 illuminated, hand-crafted fixtures, some created specifically for the zoo. “We were ready for something fresh that could grow with us,” Moses says. “Lantern festivals are popular across the world, and we wanted to bring that level of artistry to Memphis. Tianyu is one of the best in the industry. They have created festivals for major zoos and attractions across the country, so when the chance came up to work together, it felt like the right fit.
“We also worked together to curate displays that fit our pathways and tell a story as guests move through the zoo,” Moses says. “Every lantern was chosen with intention so the experience feels connected from start to finish.”
The experiences, she adds, feel more immersive than in the past, while still bringing those classic holiday lights and experiences everyone loves. Plus, the zoo will be serving up drinks and food all night long and will have its rides open, including the China Carousel, the Farm Train, and the Zip Line. Santa will also be make appearances on select nights in December.
As for Moses’ favorite display, she says, “The lotus corridor is breathtaking and feels like moving through a glowing garden. The buffalo is another favorite. It is powerful and beautiful and people stop in their tracks when they see it.”
Already, the Lantern Festival has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Zoo Lights as part of its Readers’ Choice Awards.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit memphiszoo.org/lantern-festival.
Lantern Festival, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, through February 1, select nights, 5-9:30 p.m., $25.