Asian Lantern Festival to begin at Chattanooga Zoo
Ornament Tunnel – Asian Lantern Festival | Courtesy: Chattanooga Zoo
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Beginning Friday, November 21, 2025, The Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy will be open to the public at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Attendees will be able to take an evening tour of the zoo and view hundreds of glowing lanterns that create almost 50 unique displays.
“Every year, we bring an entirely new collection of lanterns to the Zoo, creating a completely different experience from previous years of the festival. This year, we are calling it the Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy because it features amazing mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns and fairies. The festival also includes lots of Christmas classics like Santa Claus, snowmen, Christmas trees and reindeer. It’s fun for all ages, and there’s something that everyone will enjoy.”
– Jake Cash, director of marketing and communications at Chattanooga Zoo said.
The lanterns are hand-crafted, made of silk and can be up to 26 feet tall.
Many of the lanterns are interactive with music, color changes, lights, blowing bubbles and a walk-through tunnel.
According to the Chattanooga Zoo, the following will be taking place on November 21 and 22 only:
The Chien Hong School of Kung Fu is performing a traditional lion dance under Mimi’s Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night.
The dance blends multiple styles of kung fu, rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes and ancient weapons into an energetic performance.
Chick-fil-A, the Asian Lantern Festival presenting sponsor, is also providing a make-your-own lantern craft while supplies last on November 21 and 22.
The Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy will take place from November 21 to January 17, 2026.
The festival is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and will also be open:
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The entire week of Thanksgiving, including Thanksgiving Day
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The entire week of Christmas, omitting Christmas Day
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The entire week of New Year’s, including New Year’s Day
