Walk-through lantern installation
Happening NowBoston Lights: A Lantern Experience
Boston, Massachusetts
August 14, 2026 – November 8, 2026
Last verified · 3 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- August 14, 2026 – November 8, 2026
- Venue
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Usual hours
- Through September 30, the festival runs Thursday–Monday, 6–10:30 p.m. Eastern; it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights in September.
- Tickets
- 2 official ticket options listed
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Visit time
- The zoo estimates 60–90 minutes for the full one-mile route.
- Organizer
- Zoo New England
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Happening Now The published season is August 14, 2026 – November 8, 2026. This label describes the season, not whether the gates are open right now.
Last verified · 3 official sources
Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Franklin Park Zoo 2026 season listing ↗Zoo New England Franklin Park Zoo calendar for September 27, 2026 ↗Dates & hours
August 14, 2026 – November 8, 2026
Through September 30, the festival runs Thursday–Monday, 6–10:30 p.m. Eastern; it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights in September.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
October 1–November 8, it runs nightly, 5–10:30 p.m. Eastern. Last admission is 9:30 p.m.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Tickets & prices
Choose your ticket on the official event page. Published price amounts could not be independently confirmed during this check.
View official ticketsPrices, fees, and availability may change. The organizer’s current terms control.
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- Free parking is available near both zoo entrances. The zoo also lists optional $20 valet parking at the Zebra entrance on most nights.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
- Rideshare pickup and drop-off use the Zebra entrance; after 10 p.m. Thursday–Sunday, drivers exit via Blue Hill Avenue.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
What to expect
- A one-way, one-mile outdoor loop of illuminated wildlife, nature, and Chinese-inspired lantern installations at Franklin Park Zoo.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
- Indoor animal buildings are closed during the event, and zoo animals may not be visible at night.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
How long to visit
- The zoo estimates 60–90 minutes for the full one-mile route.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Kids & family
- Children younger than 2 are admitted free, but all guests need a Boston Lights ticket or reservation.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Food & drinks
- Food is sold at the Farmhouse Cafe and Kalahari Outpost. Guests may bring their own food, but coolers are not allowed.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Accessibility
- Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent. The zoo asks guests to reserve a wheelchair at least one day ahead by phone.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Weather & cancellation
- Tickets are normally rain-or-shine without date changes or refunds. If the zoo closes for severe weather, it says affected ticket holders will be contacted and refunded.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Tips before you go
- Arrive for your reserved entry time; the last admission is 9:30 p.m. Re-entry is not offered.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
- Pets and drones are not allowed. Trained service dogs are welcome.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗
Frequently asked questions
What are the usual Boston Lights hours in September?
The event normally runs Thursday through Monday, 6–10:30 p.m. Eastern, and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Check the zoo calendar for date-specific changes.
Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Zoo New England Franklin Park Zoo calendar for September 27, 2026 ↗Does a Boston Lights ticket include daytime zoo admission?
No. The daytime zoo visit and evening lantern event require separate admission.
Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Will I see zoo animals at night?
Animal sightings are not guaranteed, and indoor animal buildings are closed during Boston Lights.
Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 27, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Official event schedule · name, venue and address, schedule, September 26 closure, tickets, route and duration, parking, food, accessibility, weather and restrictions
- Franklin Park Zoo 2026 season listing ↗Official event schedule · August 14–November 8 season dates
- Zoo New England Franklin Park Zoo calendar for September 27, 2026 ↗Official event schedule · Boston Lights scheduled September 27, 6–10:30 p.m. Eastern
Update history
- — Confirmed that Boston Lights resumed on September 27 after the one-night September 26 weather closure. Removed the expired closure alert; the general severe-weather policy remains in place.Zoo New England Boston Lights event page and FAQ ↗Franklin Park Zoo 2026 season listing ↗Zoo New England Franklin Park Zoo calendar for September 27, 2026 ↗
Last verified · 3 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.