Around the Sound: WildLanterns Festival kicks off at Woodland Park Zoo

Friday kicks off the WildLanterns Festival at Woodland Park Zoo. Over a thousand lanterns are lined up around the zoo, and the proceeds from ticket sales not only support animal care locally, but around the world.

This year, the festival has a brand-new show and new experiences, making sure it’s treating all guests to a great time.

“WildLanterns is an immersive lighting experience of different customized lanterns based on Pacific Northwest animals. Birds, bugs, and this year when you first come in you’ll see our theme of bugs,” said Michele Smith, chief financial officer of Woodland Park Zoo.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a giant ant. As you make your way through the ant’s belly, you’ll walk past 1,100 different lanterns, and this year the zoo has a sensory-friendly experience, making sure the festival is comfortable for everyone.

“What’s special this year is that we have a sensory night for all to come out and enjoy. We’ll dim the lights, families will be able to come in and have a sensory-free zone night and enjoy WildLanterns,” Smith said.

This is the zoo’s third year putting on the event. The lanterns are custom-made from China and every single lantern is brand new each time. From lanterns to photo ops placed throughout, you’ll be sure to find excitement in every corner.

“If you walk around the zoo, there’s a lot of new things. We have an immersive area where you can take a lot of selfies. We have a kids zone where people can play and do different things, but also it takes you around the world where different lights are moving, different animals are moving, you’ll never know when you’re coming around the corner what you’ll see, but it’s an extraordinary experience for everyone,” Smith said.

The WildLanterns Festival kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday, and runs through Jan. 22. Zoo members get 20% off their tickets, and every ticket sale goes toward animal care and conservation programs around the world.

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