Asian Lantern Festival

To experience a place at night, is to explore a completely altered landscape than in the daylight.

For those who enjoy day trips to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, try visiting it at night. The Asian Lantern Festival is in it's 4th year at the Zoo and the experience has been recrafted to include 70 new, large scale displays which feature over 1,000 individual lanterns.

A Popular Cleveland Attraction

The Cleveland Zoo, which sprawls across 183 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, hosts more than 3,000 animals across 600 species and it's a popular destination in the Cleveland area.

In a recent Freshwater Cleveland Article, Cleveland Metroparks chief marketing officer Kelly Manderfield commented, “Asian Lantern Festival has become a summer staple in Cleveland, drawing over 150,000 guests each year to experience the wonder of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo after dark,” she said. “We’re thankful for the tremendous support of Meijer to help bring an all-new festival, with new lanterns, performances and experiences in the event’s fourth year.”

Lantern Festivals - Celebrations of Culture

"Lantern Festivals" date back 2,000 years, having originated in China and other Asian countries. They were typically celebrated in the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar and sought to promote reconciliation, peace and forgiveness within communities. Historically, during this time, residents decorated their houses with lanterns, gave out gifts and treats to their neighbors, enjoyed parades and fireworks.

Back then, lanterns were created in the shapes of animals, which symbolized the creators, desire to "let go of their past shelves" as they moved into the future. Decorated almost always red, for good luck, they increased in complexity and design as the festivals gained in popularity.

Still kept today across the world, these events provide an opportunity to celebrate with friends and communities, while enjoying the craftsmanship and thrill of a beautiful night time light display.

The Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo is an excellent way to experience this updated, family fun activity. Plazas and walking trails are completely transformed in this entirely new light, with displays of animals, flowers and interactive displays activating the landscape.

Asian Lantern Festival - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo