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The Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival runs on listed nights from Nov 13, 2026 to Feb 14, 2027, 5:00-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for non-members and $23 for members, bought in advance online. The zoo’s page prints no year; we placed it in the 2026-27 season. Everything below was read on the zoo’s own site on 2026-10-29.
At a Glance
| Detail | What the organizer says |
|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 13-15 (opening weekend); Nov 20-25, 27-29; Dec 3-6, 9 (Sensory Night), 10-13, 17-23, 26-30; Jan 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31; Feb 5-7, 12-14 |
| Hours | 5:00-9:30 p.m., last admission 8:30 p.m.; the zoo closes at 4 p.m. before the event, with last regular admission at 3 p.m. |
| Where | Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis; parking off Poplar Ave. |
| Tickets | $23 members, $25 non-members, new $75 season pass; advance online purchase only |
| Extras | Ziplines and food and drink cost extra |
| Included | Larger-than-life lanterns, animal-shaped lanterns, themed experiences, snow in front of the zoo and a new interactive Christmas maze |
Rules and Tips
- AgesGuests 16 and under must be with an adult 18 or older.
- FoodNo outside food or drink, glass containers or balloons; food and drink are sold inside.
- PetsNot allowed; service animals get special accommodations (call 901-333-6500).
- UmbrellasSmall personal umbrellas (22 inches or under) are fine.
- StrollersChildren’s wagons are welcome; strollers rent for $12 single or $14 double.
- AccessMost attractions and restrooms are wheelchair accessible; the zoo is a KultureCity sensory-inclusive partner.
Still Unconfirmed
- Train and carouselThe festival page says the Farm Train and carousel are included with your ticket, but the zoo’s help page lists them at $2 a ride and closed Nov 1 to Feb 28. Its pages disagree, so ask the zoo before counting on them.
- Festival-night parking priceThe zoo’s help page lists $10 in its splash park section, which may not apply.
- Refund and weather policy for the festival.
- Sensory Night ticket price.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival?
It runs on listed nights from Nov 13, 2026 through Feb 14, 2027, beginning with opening weekend Nov 13-15. The zoo lists no year on the page, so we have placed it in the 2026-27 season; confirm on the zoo’s page.
What time is it?
The festival runs 5:00-9:30 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m. The zoo says it closes at 4 p.m. before the event.
How much are tickets?
$23 per person for members and $25 for non-members, and a new $75 season pass. Tickets must be bought in advance on the zoo’s site.
Are pets allowed?
No. The zoo says pets are not allowed inside, though service animals are accommodated.
Is there a quiet night?
Dec 9 is Sensory Night, with separate member and non-member tickets; its price is not stated on the page.
Sources
- Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival, checked 2026-10-29
- Memphis Zoo rules and help, checked 2026-10-29
Coming Up Near Memphis
- Memphis Grizzlies home games (FedExForum)On now through Nov 14 · Memphis
- Memphis Tigers men's basketball home games (FedExForum)Nov 7 – Mar 7 · Memphis
- Terence Blanchard: Miles + Coltrane Centennial at GPACNov 7 · Germantown · about 11 mi
- Stray Cats in concertNov 15 · Memphis
Places Nearby
- T.O. Fuller State ParkState park · in Memphis
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine MotelMuseum · in Memphis
- GracelandHouse museum · in Memphis
- Chucalissa SiteNational Historic Landmark · in Memphis
Straight-line distance from the centre of Memphis, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's Tennessee, “Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival 2026-27: Dates and Tickets”, itstennessee.com/memphis-zoo-lantern-festival/ (updated ). By the It's Tennessee editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.