Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo
| Venue: | Franklin Park Zoo - Zoo New England |
| Dates: | Friday, August 14, 2026 - Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$ see below |
| Category: | Special Events |
Prepare to be dazzled as you wander through this glowing immersive experience filled with vibrant lantern displays, interactive activities and Instagrammable moments at every turn.Each year, Boston Lights draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, highlighting wildlife and habitats from around the globe through beautifully crafted lanterns rooted in ancient Chinese tradition and artistry.
This year, experience lanterns inspired by coastal South Africa, featuring penguins, great white sharks and luminous flowers.
See the majestic big cats that reside in habitats around the globe with lanterns featuring jaguars, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards and more.
Experience the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon – from Gila monsters and wolves to desert tortoises and an array of cacti and birds.
Enter a world where the ocean depths come alive in a burst of brilliant light.
Stroll amongst lanterns of colorful tropical fish, sea horses, and unique plant life found underneath the ocean surface.
Then, discover China’s rich heritage as you journey through luminous lantern tunnels inspired by the textures of bamboo and vibrant peacock feathers, each stretching nearly 100 feet long.
If animals are your thing, you can find more zoos near Boston in our handy guide. There are also a good number of Petting Zoos near Boston that allow for close-up interaction with all sorts of animals.
For more Boston events, visit our events calendar to find fun things to do in Boston all year round.
Find more pumpkin festivals and jack-o-lantern displays near you in our helpful guide to fall family fun.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Aug 14–Sept 30)
5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Oct 1–Nov 8)
| COST | ↑ top |
Purchase Tickets
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-lights/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, MA map
Phone: 617-541-5466
For the full schedule as well as ticket prices, visit www.franklinparkzoo.org. With Plan Ahead Pricing, you can pick the day, time and price that best works for you. The earlier you purchase tickets, the more you will save. Online advance ticket purchase is required for Boston Lights. To ensure that you can reserve the day, time and price that works best for you, we encourage guests to purchase tickets early. Attending with friends and family? The 4-pack ticket options are a great value!
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Find lots more Things to Do in Boston in our handy guide to family fun! Whether you are visiting or a local, we've got all sorts of great ideas and hidden gems.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...

