Lantern FEstival at John BAll Zoo

The Lantern Festival returns to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the third year in 2025 and this is one event you definitely don't want to miss out on. This is the only place in Michigan you can see these one of a kind handcrafted lanterns. The event sold out in 2024, so you'll want to plan ahead to ensure you can experience this breathtaking display. I've attend the last two years so I'm sharing all my tips and advice for this epic adventure in West Michigan.

---

2025 Lantern FEstival

Tickets for the Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo go on sale to the public on March 8, 2025 and will be available on the zoo's website. Zoo members will get early access to purchase tickets starting on March 1. The 2025 event will take place from April 9 to June 15, 2025 (Tuesday-Sunday). When you purchase your tickets you will choose a time slot for entry (every 30 minutes from 7:30-11:30p). I personally think 9p ticket is a great choice as you arrive just as it's getting dark and have plenty of time to walk through and experience everything. It takes about 60-90 minutes to walk through.

In 2024, tickets were $22/person (Tuesday-Thursday) and $24/person (Friday-Saturday) with discounts available if you purchased a four pack of tickets for the same time slot. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is included with your ticket and available in a grassy lot adjacent to the zoo. It can get tight so be plan ahead for some extra time to find a spot and then you will need to walk a bit to get to the entrance of the zoo which can be a bit muddy depending on the weather. 

The event itself features a one mile illuminated path around the zoo featuring handcrafted lanterns that tell the story of wildlife and Asian Culture. There are various animal lanterns as well as tunnels and decorated bridges you can walk through. Many of the displays also have plaques explaining more about the cultural significance or symbolism of the lanterns. According to John Ball Zoo social media, the 2025 event will feature new displays and interactive experiences.

It is a self guided experience and you can walk at your own pace and go through the loop as many times as you'd like. The path is paved so it is stroller and wheelchair friendly. This is a very popular event and it can get a bit crowded so plan to be patient and take your time to ensure you get to experience it all. 

You can visit the zoo during normal business hours to see the animals and the lanterns will be on display, but trust me, they are so much more magical in the evening after the sun goes down! We went during the day in 2024 because my daughter was younger at the time and it was still neat to see the displays and walk through the tunnels but we enjoyed our 2023 visit so much more. You can see a comparison in the pictures below during the day. Also when you visit in the evening, the animals will not be viewable like a normal zoo experience. â€‹

There are several different food options available throughout the zoo during the festival. The event does occur rain or shine and the zoo doesn't issues refunds for purchased tickets so plan accordingly and bring an umbrella just in case. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JESSICA • Michigan & Midwest Adventures (@wellplannedadventures)