Cleveland Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival ‘just beautiful’ (photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Thousands of guests took advantage of a perfect Cleveland summer night to attend the Friday opening of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival.

“Every festival has been lovely, but this one is just beautiful,” said Janet Miller, of Northfield, who was there with her daughter, Debbie Dieglio, of Parma, and family. “And I think this one had more lanterns than ever before.

“This is our third time here, and this is her favorite,” said Dieglio of her mother.

The show returns for its sixth year and features more than 1,000 lanterns. Each year, the show draws more than 150,000 visitors to check out the lanterns that illuminate pagodas, animals and more.

Among the large-scale displays at this year’s event are a nearly 40-foot-tall giant lantern, walk-through tunnels, and a 150-foot-long Enchanted Garden Experience, which will immerse guests in larger-than-life displays featuring butterflies, flowers and insects.

There are also live acrobatic performances and a variety of culturally inspired food. The festival currently is scheduled to continue until Aug. 27, although last year it was extended into September.

And, don’t worry about getting hungry or thirsty along the walk. Snacks and drinks are available for sale at booths spread along the route.

Walk-through tours of the festival will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each week from Thursday through Sunday until Aug. 27. A drive-thru experience also will be offered on select nights, allowing guests to drive through the festival in their vehicles.

Tickets are on sale online and guests can reserve a spot and save by purchasing tickets in advance. The advance discounted cost for Zoo members is $19, or a four-pack for $60. Advance non-member tickets are $22, or a four-pack for $70. Same-day tickets can be purchased at the box office for $25, or a four-pack for $75. Drive-through tickets are $45 per vehicle for members and $55 per vehicle for non-members. Children under 2 are admitted free.

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