Walk-through lantern installation
UpcomingMemphis Zoo Lantern Festival
Memphis, Tennessee
November 13, 2026 – February 14, 2027
Last verified · 4 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- November 13, 2026 – February 14, 2027
- Venue
- Memphis Zoo
- Usual hours
- Select evenings from November 13, 2026 through February 14, 2027, 5–9:30 p.m. Central; last entry is 8:30 p.m. Check the zoo’s date calendar before choosing a night.
- Tickets
- 3 official ticket options listed
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Organizer
- Memphis Zoo
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Upcoming The published season is November 13, 2026 – February 14, 2027. This label describes the season, not whether the gates are open right now.
Last verified · 4 official sources
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗Dates & hours
November 13, 2026 – February 14, 2027
Select evenings from November 13, 2026 through February 14, 2027, 5–9:30 p.m. Central; last entry is 8:30 p.m. Check the zoo’s date calendar before choosing a night.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗
The zoo lists November 13–15 as opening weekend and December 9 as a sensory night. It also publishes selected dates in late November, December, January, and February rather than nightly operation.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗
Tickets & prices
The official event source lists these options and prices.
View official ticketsPrices, fees, and availability may change. The organizer’s current terms control.
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- Parking is included with a lantern festival ticket; attendants direct guests to available spaces.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
What to expect
- The zoo’s second lantern festival season features after-dark walking paths with large illuminated animal displays, themed areas, and a Christmas maze created with Tianyu Arts & Culture.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
- Evening festival admission is separate from daytime zoo admission. Daytime guests must leave before the event gates reopen at 5 p.m.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
Kids & family
- Children 23 months and younger may attend free. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗
Food & drinks
- Food and drinks are offered for purchase during the lantern festival.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
Accessibility
- The zoo says most attractions and restrooms are wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchairs on a first-come basis. Ask Guest Services about access to the current lantern route.Memphis Zoo visitor rules ↗
Weather & cancellation
- The festival is rain or shine. Tickets are nonrefundable and valid for the selected date; the official ticket listing says date exchanges are unavailable.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗
Tips before you go
- Purchase through the zoo’s official festival page. Its lantern FAQ says tickets from other parties are not honored.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
- Some rides and other add-ons cost extra; review the festival ticket details rather than assuming every zoo attraction is included.Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗
Frequently asked questions
Does a daytime zoo ticket include the lantern festival?
No. The zoo ends daytime admission before reopening for the separately ticketed evening festival.
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Are festival tickets sold at the gate?
The zoo directs visitors to buy lantern festival tickets in advance through its official website.
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗When is the sensory night?
The zoo lists December 9 during the 2026–27 season as its sensory night.
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 26, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Official event schedule · second-season name and producer, select-night schedule, hours, festival ticket rules, parking, family rules, food, weather
- Memphis Zoo official event tickets ↗Official ticket options · February 14, 2027 end date, November 13 opening, hours, non-member and season-pass prices, age rules
- Memphis Zoo visitor rules ↗Venue accessibility · venue accessibility and general zoo rules
- Memphis Zoo contact information ↗Venue directions and parking · venue street address
Last verified · 4 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.