Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo 2026 | Lantern Experience
Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo 2026
Looking for a magical night out near Boston this fall? Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo is back for another season of spectacular lanterns, glowing displays and family-friendly fun!
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience runs August 14 through November 8, 2026, transforming Franklin Park Zoo into a glowing nighttime wonderland. This is one of those events that is just as fun for kids as it is for adults—and it makes a great addition to your Boston fall bucket list.
✨ Boston Lights 2026
📍 Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA
📅 August 14 – November 8, 2026
✨ What Is Boston Lights?
Boston Lights is an immersive lantern experience featuring thousands of colorful lights and beautifully crafted lantern displays inspired by wildlife, nature and cultures from around the world.
This year’s displays include coastal South Africa, with penguins, great white sharks and glowing flowers; big cats including jaguars, lions, cheetahs and snow leopards; the wildlife and landscapes of the Grand Canyon; colorful underwater creatures; and enormous illuminated tunnels inspired by bamboo and peacock feathers.
The experience takes you along a one-way walking loop through the Zoo, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.
🦁 Boston Lights Hours
The schedule changes during the season:
August 14 – September 30
🌟 Thursday – Monday
⏰ 6:00 – 10:30 PM
October 1 – November 8
🌟 Nightly
⏰ 5:00 – 10:30 PM
The event is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights in August and September. There is also a special closure on August 29.
🎟️ Boston Lights Tickets
Tickets are required for all guests, including Zoo members. Children under age 2 are free.
Zoo New England recommends purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are sold using plan-ahead pricing, and popular evenings can sell out. A four-pack option is also available for families and groups attending together.
Important: Boston Lights admission is separate from daytime admission to Franklin Park Zoo. If you want to see the animals during the day, you’ll need a separate daytime ticket.
🚶 How Long Does Boston Lights Take?
Plan on approximately 60–90 minutes to walk through the lantern experience. The route is designed as a one-way loop, so you’ll experience the displays along the entire path.
Keep in mind that Boston Lights is primarily a lantern and light experience. The Zoo’s indoor buildings, playground and play structures are closed during the evening event.
📍 Where Is Boston Lights?
Boston Lights takes place at:
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121
🍂 Add Boston Lights to Your Fall Bucket List!
If you’re looking for fall things to do near Boston, family activities, nighttime events or something different to do with the kids, Boston Lights is definitely worth adding to your list.
It’s a fun way to squeeze a little more outdoor adventure into the fall—and let’s be honest, kids + giant glowing animals = a pretty solid night out! ✨🦁
👉 Check the official Boston Lights website for tickets, dates and the latest information before you go.
More Fall Fun: Check out our 365 South Shore Fall Events & Festivals Guide for more pumpkin picking, fall festivals, Halloween events and family fun happening around the South Shore and Boston area.