Experience the Magic of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo This Spring

Grand Rapids is making itself known as a top Michigan destination for hosting unique festivals throughout the year. For the spring season, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo is a must-experience event.

Located just outside of downtown Grand Rapids, the John Ball Zoo is a treat to visit any time of year – especially during its special events. The Lantern Festival definitely shines as one of the zoo’s best events.

What to Expect at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

Featuring hundreds of authentic hand-crafted Chinese lanterns, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is an enchanting experience for all ages. 

The 2025 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival will take place from April 9- June 15, 2025. Tickets are sold with entry times ranging from 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Once you enter, you can stay and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Tickets are required for the Lantern Festival, even for zoo members. Purchase tickets online in advance as the event frequently sells out. 

Parking for the festival is free of charge. The John Ball Zoo has a main paved parking lot, which will fill up early for this event. Once the main parking lot is full, there is a large, grassy overflow parking area where attendants will guide you to an available space.

Animal exhibits are not open during the Lantern Festival. Most of the zoo animals spend nights in their indoor habitats. 

Hundreds of Unique Hand-Crafted Asian Lanterns

The Lantern Festival combines elements of Asian culture and the natural world. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of lanterns, including Chinese symbols, detailed plants and animals, and interactive displays.

Using innovative designs, the lanterns are crafted from metal frames and fabric covers. Lights placed inside the lanterns create a gorgeous glowing effect. 

A One-Mile Light Path 

The lanterns decorate a one-mile accessible path through the zoo. While the entire path is either paved or on a wooded boardwalk, some sections are on a steep incline, winding up and down a hill. 

During this event, zoo buildings and animal exhibits will not be open to guests.

A Community Favorite Event

The Lantern Festival is a popular event attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. Expect lively crowds, especially when visiting on the weekend. 

From my own experience, the festival was most busy from 7:30-9:30 pm. After 9:30 pm, the crowds started to lessen as many families with young children headed home.

Tips for Visiting the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

1. Consider a membership to John Ball Zoo.

If you plan on visiting John Ball Zoo more than once throughout the year, a membership may be worth your while. Members receive free regular admission and reduced ticket prices for special events like the Lantern Festival.

2. Buy your tickets early.

As a popular event, the Lantern Festival frequently sells out, especially by the end of the festival. Purchase your tickets early so you don’t miss out on this unforgettable event.

🎟️ Ticket Sale Dates:
🔹 Member Access: February 28th
🔹 General Admission: March 8th

Note: We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred entry time. Onsite tickets may be available if capacity allows. The ticket booth is open every night during the Lantern Festival from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

3. Check the sunset time on the night of your visit.

Do a quick search to check the sunset time in Grand Rapids to help determine what ticket entry time you want. The lanterns are still beautiful during twilight, but they really come alive in full darkness.

4. Don’t miss the acrobatic show at the Forest Realm Stage.

Featuring a variety of talented performers, this show is a must-see part of the Lantern Festival. Be amazed by gravity-defying acrobatics, creative foot juggling, and more! Check for show times upon arrival as they may vary each evening.

5. Start your evening with dinner in Grand Rapids. 

Grab dinner or dessert before the festival for a full, fun evening. In Grand Rapids, you’ll have plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from. 

Here are a few of my favorite recommendations:

• Eat at Bistro Bella Vita for a romantic date night
• Dine at San Chez for a fun tapas experience
• Try Nonla Burger for a casual family-friendly dinner
• Indulge in dessert at Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate

If you forgo dining out ahead of time, the zoo will also have some food and drink options.

A Magical Experience at the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival has easily become one of my new favorite Grand Rapids experiences.

While this is definitely a family-friendly event, my husband and I decided to visit on a date night last year. Strolling through the hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns, holding hands, made for a magical evening.

With the Lantern Festival, everywhere you look there’s something fascinating to see. Chinese cultural symbols. Colorful tunnels to walk through. Mythical and real animals.

Of course, as all parents do on a date night, our kids were never far from our minds. We kept saying, “Oh the kids would love this!” Still, we savored that special night with just the two of us.

Whether you visit solo, with a companion, or with the whole family, the Lantern Festival will be a win for all ages. 

Leah Tennant

Plan Your Visit to the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

Whether you visit for just the evening, a full day, or an entire weekend, the Lantern Festival is worth a trip to Grand Rapids!

While you are in town, make the most of your visit by exploring a Grand Rapids museum or trying a unique food or drink flight. 

Need some recommendations for overnight accommodations? Check out the Awesome Mitten guide to lodging + hotels in Grand Rapids.