“Colors of the Wild,” a festive and interactive lantern experience at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is open on select nights from now through Feb. 8. Guests get to walk through the zoo and experience a beautifully decorated, magical wonderland of light and color. Each section of the zoo has bright walkway paths decorated to match the corresponding animal exhibits and their habitats. This family-friendly event is the perfect place to get some fresh air, cure the winter blues and explore a magical world of lanterns. Guests will get to see larger-than-life lanterns of amazing animals from around the globe.
“Colors of the Wild” is also one of the largest Asian lantern events in the country. Guests will get to experience the beauty of culture and wildlife and learn more about the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Asian exhibit features lanterns that represent each zodiac sign including 2026, the Year of the Horse. In addition to a lovely walk through the zoo, there are interactive lanterns, games, crafts and refreshments available for purchase.
Guests can get early access to the zoo starting at 3 p.m. with a “Colors of the Wild” ticket purchase. The zoo lights will be aglow from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Zoo members’ tickets cost between $20 and $25 and non-members’ tickets cost between $25 and $35 depending on the date. Kids age 2 and younger can get in for free. Select nights include special events as well. The remaining dates are Jan. 29-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8.
To learn more and purchase tickets, go to https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/colors-of-the-wild.
