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Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes Orlando Sanford International Airport as new sponsor for Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is soaring to new heights with another sponsor of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Zoo today announced that Orlando Sanford International Airport will sponsor two of the event’s iconic displays.

 

The popular Central Florida holiday tradition runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025. Guests can expect a whole new experience with familiar magic, featuring new, larger-than-life lanterns. Orlando Sanford International Airport will sponsor the exciting Wings display and Bears lanterns.

 

The airport is also joining the celebration with a grand display inside its terminal, welcoming travelers to Central Florida and highlighting the magic of the event.

 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Orlando Sanford International Airport on this enchanting experience for our community and visitors,” said Zoo CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “This year’s all-new lanterns bring added excitement, and the airport display is a fantastic way to extend the festival’s magic to travelers as they arrive in Sanford.”

 

Nicole Martz, President of Orlando Sanford International Airport agreed.

 

“We are excited to support the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens by sponsoring two lantern displays at this year’s Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild,” said Martz. “Teaming up with such a vital organization, not only in Central Florida but also right here in our own backyard, underscores our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and celebrating the community we proudly serve. With the Zoo’s impressive display in our airport terminal, we are able to share the excitement of this cherished event with our local community and the many visitors arriving in Sanford during the holiday season.”

 

Guests can celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they stroll a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo and enjoy dazzling lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights with interactive elements, all celebrating traditional Asian lantern festivals. As part of the all-new lanterns for this year’s festival, guests can experience a festive holiday section featuring dazzling holiday-themed lanterns.

 

Single general admission tickets are $24.99 or save 20 percent on a Family 4-Pack for $80. Annual Passholders also save, with single tickets at $21 and Family 4-Packs for $72. Guests can purchase timed entry tickets here or visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/ for more information.

 

Entry times are 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. each evening. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to lock in the best rates and secure preferred dates and times. Tickets must be purchased online for designated timed entry. Exclusive food and beverage items will be available for purchase.

 

This is the fifth year for the festival, which started in 2019 and was not held in 2020. Last year, the event once again broke attendance records, with more than 90,000 people heading through the Zoo’s gates to marvel at the spectacular festival.

 

The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.

 

For more information about Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/.

 

To view or download photos and video, click here.

 

About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens 

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 350 animals in Sanford, Florida. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife. More information is available at www.centralfloridazoo.org.

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