Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience
Franklin Park ZooAugust 14 - November 8
Aug. 14 – Sept. 30: Thursday – Monday, 6:00–10:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Nov. 8: Nightly, 5:00 – 10:30 p.m.
Experience the return of Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo, a wildly popular annual summer and fall tradition.
⭐ Purchase Tickets: Non-Member | Member | VIP
Prepare to be dazzled as you wander through this glowing immersive experience filled with vibrant lantern displays, interactive activities and Instagrammable moments at every turn.
Each year, Boston Lights draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, highlighting wildlife and habitats from around the globe through beautifully crafted lanterns rooted in ancient Chinese tradition and artistry. This year, experience lanterns inspired by coastal South Africa, featuring penguins, great white sharks and luminous flowers. See the majestic big cats that reside in habitats around the globe with lanterns featuring jaguars, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards and more. Experience the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon – from Gila monsters and wolves to desert tortoises and an array of cacti and birds.
Enter a world where the ocean depths come alive in a burst of brilliant light. Stroll amongst lanterns of colorful tropical fish, sea horses, and unique plant life found underneath the ocean surface. Then, discover China’s rich heritage as you journey through luminous lantern tunnels inspired by the textures of bamboo and vibrant peacock feathers, each stretching nearly 100 feet long.
Ticket Information
Ticket Options:
🌟 Plan-Ahead Pricing: You pick the date and time that works best with your schedule and budget.
🌟 4-Pack: (Online only) Attending with friends and family? The 4-pack ticket option offers a discount if you purchase four tickets together.
🌟 VIP: Attend Boston Lights any night, any time.
🌟 Gate: Tickets can be purchased at the gate, pending availability. However, gate prices are higher, and evenings may sell out—so we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance.
Ticket Info:
🌟 Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.
🌟 Boston Lights tickets do not include daytime admission to the Zoo. Daytime general admission tickets must be purchased separately.
🌟 All ticket sales are final and cannot be moved to other dates (except VIP tickets, which can be used any night, any time). Please make sure you're able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.
🌟 Last entry at 9:30 p.m.
EBT and WIC Tickets
Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders receive discounted, $17 admission per ticket for up to four tickets to Boston Lights (does not include general, daytime admission). If there are more than four people aged two or older in your group, they will need to buy a full-price ticket. Last entry at 9:30 p.m.
Online Tickets:
To receive the EBT/WIC discount, you will need to verify your eligibility prior to purchasing your tickets. You will be prompted to log into or create an account with ID.Me to verify your identity and EBT/WIC affiliation. For help troubleshooting the Id.me application, please visit the ID.me Help Center.
Gate Tickets:
If purchasing tickets at the gate, please be ready to present your card at the Admissions booth upon arrival. Last entry at 9:30 p.m.
Shining a Light on Biodiversity
Boston Lights illuminates the importance of conserving the incredible biodiversity on our planet. Guests will learn more about our commitment to conservation and ways to participate in wildlife and habitat preservation. Embracing sustainability, all our lanterns shine with energy-saving LED lights.
Lantern Creation
For over a thousand years, Chinese lantern-making has been more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant art form that embodies Chinese philosophy, symbolism, and communal celebration. The lanterns from Zigong, often called the "Lantern Capital of the World," represent the pinnacle of this craft. The skills required to create these lanterns - from complex framing and intricate knot-tying to delicate silk painting - have been preserved through a master-apprentice system for centuries.
We work with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. on creating these larger-than-life displays at Boston Lights. Each and every lantern involves a labor of love (and skill!) to create. Artisans and skilled professionals work as a team to design full-scale displays, sew and glue colorful fabrics, hand-paint intricate details on each lantern, model and assemble steel frames for each lantern's structure, install thousands of LED light bulbs, and more.
Thank you to our Partner
