Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- Every day5:00 PM – 10:30 PMOct 1, 2026 – Nov 8, 2026 · Ends in November 2026; exact closing day not announced
Earlier schedules (1)
- Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday · weekly6:00 PM – 10:30 PMAug 14, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026 · Ends in November 2026; exact closing day not announced
Boston Lights 2026: A Lantern Walk from South Africa to the Grand Canyon
A coastal South African scene of penguins, great white sharks and luminous flowers sits alongside big cats, an undersea sequence and a Grand Canyon tableau in this year’s lantern walk. At Franklin Park Zoo, Boston Lights puts the displays—not a full nighttime visit to the animal exhibits—at the center of the evening.
A route across habitats and far-apart landscapes
The 2026 displays draw on several distinct places and wildlife groupings. The coastal South Africa theme pairs penguins and great white sharks with luminous flowers. A big-cat grouping includes jaguars, lions, cheetahs and snow leopards; the Grand Canyon section takes in Gila monsters, wolves, desert tortoises, cacti and birds.
The undersea sequence features tropical fish, seahorses and plant life. Two tunnels, each nearly 100 feet long, take their design cues from bamboo and peacock feathers. Interactive activities and talking pumpkins and skeletons bring a Halloween element to the walk.
Further reading: Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo ↗ · Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗
Lantern art built from frame, fabric and light
Zoo New England credits Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. as its partner on the large-scale displays. The production draws on a team process: artisans and skilled professionals shape and assemble steel frames, sew and attach fabric, paint details by hand, and install LED bulbs. The zoo says the lanterns use energy-saving LEDs and connects the event to biodiversity and conservation.
Tianyu traces Zigong lantern-making to Sichuan Province and describes it as a Chinese folk-art tradition with more than a thousand years of history. Its account emphasizes that sculptural form, textile work, painted imagery and light combine to tell stories; skills have been passed down through master-apprentice training. Contemporary lanterns can adapt that craft to new subjects, including the wildlife and habitats represented at Boston Lights.
Further reading: Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗ · The Art of Lanterns | Tianyu Arts & Culture ↗
A lantern walk, not a nighttime animal tour
The zoo describes Boston Lights as a one-way, one-mile route that takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Follow the marked path, which is designed to take visitors past the displays from either entrance. After construction at Penguin Coast, the 2026 event returns to the route used during its first four years; the path had been temporarily changed for the preceding two.
Some animals may be outside in good weather, but animals may also rest indoors and not be visible. Indoor habitats—including Nature’s Neighborhood, Barnyard, Tropical Forest Pavilion, Gorilla Grove and Bird’s World—are closed during Boston Lights. If animal viewing is the priority, the zoo recommends a separate daytime visit; daytime admission is not included with an evening ticket.
Further reading: Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗
Café specials, snacks and bring-your-own food
The Farmhouse Café’s listed Boston Lights specials include a Bao Dog with grilled Asian sausage, kimchi kraut and chipotle-hoisin sauce; Korean Loaded Tots with bulgogi pork, sesame slaw, spicy mayo and scallions; General Tso’s chicken skewers with rice; an orange-chicken rice bowl; and Crab Rangoon Nachos with sweet chili drizzle and scallions. The café also lists vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options.
Snack stands near the Farmhouse Café and Kalahari Outpost may offer fried dough, Oreos, roasted peanuts, frosted sweet almonds, mini melts, and drinks including beer, wine, seltzer and nonalcoholic choices. Stand availability depends on weather and staffing. Food and drinks cost extra; guests may bring their own food, but coolers are not allowed. Alcohol must remain on zoo grounds.
Further reading: Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗
Plan the evening
Two operating schedules
Boston Lights runs August 14–November 8, 2026. From August 14 through September 30, it is open Thursday through Monday, 6–10:30 p.m.; it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights in that period. From October 1 through November 8, it runs nightly, 5–10:30 p.m. Last entry is 9:30 p.m.
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo ↗ · Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗
Reserve a date and time
Tickets are required for all guests; children under 2 are admitted free. Members also need Boston Lights tickets, and membership does not include the event. Daytime admission is separate: daytime visitors must leave at zoo closing before evening preparations begin. There is no re-entry. Arrive for the time on your reservation.
Plan-ahead tickets let you choose a date and time. An online-only four-pack offers a discount when four tickets are purchased together; all four guests must enter together through the same entrance. Gate tickets are subject to availability and cost more. Prices vary by option. Zoo New England’s page marked VIP tickets as sold out when checked October 31, 2026.
Regular ticket sales are final: tickets cannot be moved to another date or refunded, but they can be transferred to another person. Cash is accepted at the gate for ticket purchases, subject to availability, and at concession and gift shop locations.
EBT and WIC eligibility
Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders can buy discounted tickets for $17 each, up to four tickets. Online purchasers must verify eligibility through ID.me; at the gate, cardholders must show their card at the admissions booth. Guests age 2 or older beyond the four discounted tickets need full-price admission; children under 2 are admitted free.
Reciprocal, military and teacher discounts are not available. Library passes, ConnectorCare cards and Boston Family Days admission do not apply to Boston Lights.
Advance booking for parties of 20 or more
Getting to Franklin Park Zoo
Entrances and parking
Franklin Park Zoo is at 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121. Both the Zebra and Giraffe entrances are open for Boston Lights. Free parking is available in lots near both entrances. Valet parking is available most nights at the Zebra entrance for $20 per car, first come, first served.
Rideshare drop-off and pickup are in front of the Zebra entrance. From 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, rideshare drivers cannot access Circuit Drive and must exit via Blue Hill Avenue.
Directions
The zoo’s map and directions links can help plan a route from your own starting point. Check your chosen transit service for current route details.
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗ · Franklin Park Zoo Map ↗
Before you make a plan
What are the 2026 Boston Lights hours?
August 14–September 30: Thursday through Monday, 6–10:30 p.m. October 1–November 8: nightly, 5–10:30 p.m. Last entry is 9:30 p.m.
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo ↗ · Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience | Franklin Park Zoo ↗
Will I be able to see the zoo animals during Boston Lights?
The event focuses on lanterns. Some animals may be outdoors in good weather, but indoor habitats are closed and animals may be resting out of view. Daytime admission is a separate purchase.
Do children under 2 need tickets?
Tickets are required for all guests, but children under 2 are admitted free.
Can I bring food to Boston Lights?
Yes. Outside food is allowed, but coolers are not. Food and drinks are also available for purchase; alcohol must stay on zoo grounds.
What happens if it rains?
Tickets are rain-or-shine, with no refund, rain check or rescheduling for ordinary weather. If severe weather or another emergency closes the zoo, ticket holders for that evening are to be refunded and contacted by email.
Is parking available at the zoo?
Free parking is available in lots near both event entrances. Valet parking is available most nights at the Zebra entrance for $20 per car, first come, first served.
Location & Google Maps
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.