CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Zoo has announced this year’s Asian Lantern Festival theme: Forest of Fantasy.
Never-seen-before displays of gleaming fairies, mythical beasts, fire-breathing dragons and forest dwellers will be showcased along with interactive games.
“This is our fourth time hosting the Asian Lantern Festival, and I think it’s the best collection of lanterns that we’ve had so far,”
“It’s been so fun to watch the festival grow each year, and I think people of all ages will really be able to feel the magic.”
– Darde Long, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Zoo
The Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy kicks off the evening of November 21 and runs through January 17, 2026. The festival is open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday evenings, and will also be open:
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The entire week of Thanksgiving, including Thanksgiving Day (November 23-29).
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The entire week of Christmas except Christmas Day (December 21-27, excluding December 25)
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The entire week of New Year’s, including New Year’s Day (December 28 – January 3)
For some extra fun, the festival features special entertainment on certain dates only:
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November 21 and 22: The Chien Hong School of Kung Fu will perform a traditional lion dance at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night.
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November 21 and 22: Make your own lantern from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or while supplies last. The craft is provided by Chick-fil-A, the presenting sponsor of the Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy.
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December 12, 13, 19 and 20: Take pictures with Santa Claus in the education building until 8 p.m. Bring your own device to snap a photo!
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January 16 and 17: Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” will be in the education building from 6-9 p.m. for photos and meet and greets, courtesy of Magic Lamp Entertainment.
Festival Zoo tickets are $23.50 for adults and $17.50 for children ages 3-12.
For Zoo members, tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12.
All children under 2 are free.
Holiday Party packages are also available allowing up to 40 guests to have free admission and access to a private event area.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit https://www.chattzoo.org/events/alf.
