Most Christmas light displays disappear shortly after New Year’s. But Memphis Zoo is keeping the lights on until Valentine’s Day.
Its Lantern Festival returns November 13, 2026, with more than 60 brand-new illuminated displays, towering sculptures, glowing tunnels and a Christmas maze.
And here’s what makes this year’s event different: The festival runs on select nights through February 14, 2027.
That gives Tennessee families nearly three months to plan a visit, including several weekends after the holiday rush.
But with tickets starting at $25, a $75 season pass and strict booking rules, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.
More Than 60 New Displays Are Coming to Memphis
The Memphis Zoo isn’t simply bringing back last year’s decorations.
According to the zoo’s official festival page, visitors can expect more than 60 new displays created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture.
The attractions include oversized animal lanterns, colorful walk-through tunnels, an interactive Christmas maze and artificial snow near the entrance.
Unlike a drive-through light show, visitors explore the displays on foot, stopping for photographs along the illuminated pathways.
Memphis Zoo CEO Matt Thompson told Action News 5 that the new collection is designed to give returning visitors something different to discover.
However, the ice skating rink and Ferris wheel from the zoo’s older Zoo Lights events aren’t part of this festival.
If you’re comparing holiday outings, our guide to Christmas light displays across Tennessee covers other free and paid options.
Why Visiting After Christmas Might Make More Sense
The festival opens November 13 and continues through February 14 on select nights.
After December, it returns January 1–3, followed by selected Friday-through-Sunday dates.
That extended schedule creates an interesting opportunity.
Instead of squeezing another outing between Christmas shopping, school events and family gatherings, you can save the experience for January or February.
For families with packed December calendars, that’s a welcome option.
But there’s a trade-off. The later schedule offers fewer weekday opportunities, and there’s no guarantee those nights will be less crowded.
The biggest advantage is flexibility, not necessarily smaller crowds.
Check the official festival calendar before making plans.
For more seasonal ideas, see our roundup of 10 favorite winter activities in Tennessee, according to locals.
How Much Does the Lantern Festival Cost?
The zoo has published the following prices for the 2026–2027 season.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Non-member, ages 2+ | $25 |
| Zoo member, ages 2+ | $23 |
| Children 23 months and younger | Free |
| Season pass, per person | $75 |
For a family of four, all age 2 or older, regular admission totals $100.
Parking is included, along with rides on the Farm Train, CHINA Carousel and tram, according to the zoo’s visitor information.
The zip line costs an additional $10 per ride, while food and drinks are sold separately.
So what might a family actually spend?
Four regular tickets cost $100. Add two zip-line rides, and the total becomes $120 before food or other purchases.
That’s optional spending, not a package price. Families can skip the extras and still enjoy the lantern displays and included attractions.
Is the $75 Season Pass Worth Buying?
The zoo is offering a $75 season pass with unlimited visits on public festival nights.
But it isn’t automatically a bargain.
At $25 per regular ticket, three visits cost $75, exactly the same as the pass.
The savings begin with the fourth visit.
| Visits per person | Regular tickets | Season pass |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25 | $75 |
| 2 | $50 | $75 |
| 3 | $75 | $75 |
| 4 | $100 | $75 |
For a family of four, four separate visits would cost $400 in regular admission. Four season passes cost $300, saving $100.
However, the pass is priced per person, not per family.
For Memphis-area families who expect to return several times, it could be worthwhile.
But if you’re traveling from elsewhere in Tennessee, remember that repeat trips also mean additional transportation expenses.
A cheaper admission price doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper overall outing.
Zoo members also begin saving on their fourth visit, based on their $23 individual ticket price.
Don’t Make This Mistake With Daytime Admission
Here’s something that could surprise visitors planning a full day at the zoo.
Regular daytime admission does not include the Lantern Festival.
The last daytime admission is at 3 p.m., and visitors must leave by 4 p.m.
Festival gates reopen at 5 p.m.
That means families wanting both experiences need separate tickets, with a break between visits.
If the lanterns are your main reason for traveling to Memphis, purchasing evening admission only is the simpler and less expensive choice.
Check These Ticket Rules Before Booking
The Lantern Festival operates from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but final admission is at 8:30 p.m.
Arriving at the last minute leaves little time to explore more than 60 displays.
And there’s another important restriction.
Tickets are date-specific, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
The festival operates rain or shine, so an unfavorable forecast doesn’t automatically mean you can switch nights.
Tickets must also be purchased online in advance through the official Memphis Zoo website.
Visitors younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18.
The zoo has also scheduled a special sensory night on December 9, with a designated sensory room and planned activities. Families can review the official sensory-night details before booking.
My Take
If you live in Memphis and have kids, the season pass is the easy call. Four visits and you’re ahead, and January and February nights give you a reason to get out of the house when there’s not much else going on. If you’re driving in from Nashville or Knoxville, skip the pass and pick one night, ideally a January weekend once the holiday rush is over. Just choose your date carefully. Tickets can’t be refunded or exchanged, rain or shine.
If you’re planning other holiday outings, our guide to Christmas train rides in Tennessee compares more seasonal experiences and ticket prices.
The Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival opens November 13, 2026, and continues on select nights through February 14, 2027.
Visit the official Lantern Festival page for tickets and the complete schedule.
