The Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival lights up the zoo grounds in Memphis, Tennessee for a second year, running on select nights from November 13, 2026 through February 14, 2027. Built with Tianyu Arts & Culture and presented by Truist, the festival replaced the zoo’s older Zoo Lights event in 2025, and this season brings a reworked lineup of oversized illuminated lantern displays plus a new walk-through Christmas maze and a snow effect near the entrance.
It suits families, couples and anyone who likes photographing big illuminated artwork, and a typical visit runs two to three hours once you add in the carousel, train and a food stop. Tickets are sold online in advance for a specific date and entry time, so this is a plan-ahead outing rather than a walk-up one.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Memphis Zoo
- City: Memphis
- State: Tennessee
- Dates: November 13, 2026 – February 14, 2027 (select nights)
- Hours: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm, last entry 8:30 pm
- Tickets: $23 members / $25 non-members (ages 2+); 23 months and under free
- Timed entry: yes, date- and time-specific advance tickets
- New for 2026: second annual festival with reimagined lantern displays and an interactive Christmas maze
What’s new for 2026
This is the second run of the Lantern Festival, and Memphis Zoo says the display has been largely reimagined rather than repeated. The zoo describes loads of new larger-than-life illuminated fixtures built specifically for this season, along with an interactive walk-through Christmas maze and a snow effect near the front entrance. Favorites from the debut season, including oversized animal-shaped lanterns and walk-through light tunnels, are expected back in updated form; check the event calendar for the full lineup once the zoo posts it.
The lights and displays
The festival fills the zoo’s pathways with illuminated lantern sculptures, including large animal-shaped figures like dragons, giraffes and monkeys, several walk-through light tunnels, and multiple built-in photo spots. An optional zip line, strung roughly 130 feet above the ground, runs through part of the display for an extra fee. The focus at night is the lantern artistry and themed zones rather than viewing the zoo’s live animal collection.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Tickets run $23 for zoo members and $25 for everyone else age 2 and up, with children 23 months and under admitted free. Tickets are sold online only, in advance, for a specific date and entry window; the zoo warns that tickets bought through outside resellers will not be honored at the gate. A season pass covering every public Lantern Festival night has also been offered. Pricing has not been reported as changing by night, but confirm the total at checkout before your visit.
Food, drinks and extras
Holiday food and drink stands operate throughout the festival, including options for adults along with cocoa and seasonal treats. Admission includes rides on the Farm Train, the CHINA Carousel and the zoo tram. The zip line is the main paid add-on, at roughly $10 per ride.
Tips for your visit
Arrive close to the 5 pm opening for shorter lines at the carousel, train and maze, and plan for two to three hours to cover the full route of lanterns and tunnels. This is an outdoor winter event, so dress warmly and check the forecast, since the zoo may adjust or cancel specific nights for severe weather. Strollers are fine on the paved paths, and parking is included with admission.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
Folds into its own pocket. Pop it on when the storm rolls in and the rides reopen to short lines.
Keeps your phone strapped to you, not in a loose-article bin. Zip it before the lift hill and walk straight off the exit ramp.
Rapids, log flumes and splash zones without the rice-bag aftermath. The touchscreen still works through the window, so you can still take photos.
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival FAQs
When is the Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival in 2026?
The 2026 season runs on select nights from November 13, 2026 through February 14, 2027, from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm with last entry at 8:30 pm.
How much are Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival tickets in 2026?
Tickets are $23 for zoo members and $25 for non-members for everyone age 2 and up; children 23 months and under get in free.
Do you need to buy Lantern Festival tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are sold online only for a specific date and time slot, and the zoo does not sell them at the gate or honor tickets bought through third-party resellers.
Get More from Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.
Photo: Unicurse / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.