2025 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival Lights Up John Ball Zoo, Great Michigan Family-Friendly Event in April, May and June!
Article: 2025 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo
This April, May and June, bring your family to John Ball Zoo Lantern Festival to see jaw-dropping lighted artwork in the form of lanterns, walk-through and interactive light displays, and fully immersive light installations. It's absolutely incredible and fun for both kids and adults alike!
- Every year, this super popular Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo in southwest Michigan sells out so you will need to buy your timed, online tickets early! Great family-friendly event in Grand Rapids.
We have personally attended this Grand Rapids Michigan event and so we can HIGHLY recommend it to you. We hope our photos and videos inspire you to go! Seriously, it's incredible. Photos can be from previous years.
Sherry says, "This event blew me away! It far exceeded my expectations and is a must-see for everyone! Your kids will love it! I swooned over the big bugs, fish, flowers and magical sea creatures!"
When is the 2025 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo
April 9, 2025 - June 15, 2025
WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Where is the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival?
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
If you go to the zoo during the day, you can see the lovely lanterns too but they are not lit. It's still beautiful! I LOVE these panda bears and bamboo lanterns!
What is the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival?
What is the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival? Put on your walking shoes as the Lantern Festival is a one-mile walking light tour through John Ball Zoo. It's a fantastic chance to see lovely (and HUGE!) handmade Asian lantern displays that sparkle and twinkle throughout the Zoo.
Some lanterns are even interactive, blowing bubbles or puffing smoke! Learn the intertwining story of wildlife and Asian culture while reading the displays along the way.
Buy your tickets early (they sell out!) to see these breathing works of art in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Expert Tip #1: Wait until it's getting dark to go. It's MUCH better when the lanterns are glowing. Trust me!
Expert Tip #2: Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk at least a mile!
Tickets for the 2025 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival: How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Buy your tickets for the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival early as they do tend to sell out. You can buy them online or walk up on the nights of the event if tickets are still available.
General Admission Fees are:
- Depending on the Day, Non-members of John Ball Zoo: $22.00 - $26.00
- Depending on the Day, Members of John Ball Zoo: $19.00 - $23.00
4 Pass Tickets (4 people, same night):
- Depending on the Day, Non-members of John Ball Zoo: $79.00 - $93.00
- Depending on the Day, Members of John Ball Zoo: $68.00 - $82.00
Kids 2 years old and under are free.
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball ZooIf You Have Daytime Zoo Tickets, Do I Need To Purchase Another Ticket for the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival?
Sure do. They are separate events and require separate tickets.
Watch on You Tube! (And Join Us!)
Are the Animals Visible During the Lantern Festival?
You will not be able to see the animals during the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival as they will be brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed in their indoor habitats! ;) We DID enjoy seeing their eagle!
How Long Does It Take to Walk Through the Whole Tour?
It takes about 1 ½ hours to enjoy the lights and walk though the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. You'll want to take your time to fully enjoy this incredible family-friendly event in Grand Rapids.
More Fun Things to Do in Grand Rapids!
Author: Sherry Trautman
Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman
FAQ's people are asking!
Answer: The Lantern Festival in Grand Rapids is April 9, 2025- June 15, 2025
Answer: The Lantern Festival is held at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids Michigan
Answer: You can walk throughout the zoo after hours to see hundreds of lit lanterns. There are interactive displays too which are fun for everyone!
Answer: Yes. You will need two separate tickets. The zoo closes before the lantern festival begins.
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