Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Purchase Tickets: Non-Member | Member | VIP

Ticket Options:

🌟 Plan-Ahead Pricing: You pick the date and time that works best with your schedule and budget. 
🌟 4-Pack: (Online only) Attending with friends and family? The 4-pack ticket option offers a discount if you purchase four tickets together. Guests with 4-packs must enter together through the same entrance. 
🌟 VIP: Attend Boston Lights any night, any time.
🌟 Gate: Tickets can be purchased at the gate, pending availability. However, gate prices are higher, and evenings may sell out—so we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance.

Ticket Info:

🌟 Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.

🌟 Boston Lights tickets do not include daytime admission to the Zoo. Daytime general admission tickets must be purchased separately.

🌟 All ticket sales are final and cannot be moved to other dates (except VIP tickets, which can be used any night, any time). Please make sure you're able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.

🌟 Last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders receive discounted, $17 admission per ticket for up to four tickets to Boston Lights (does not include general, daytime admission). If there are more than four people aged two or older in your group, they will need to buy a full-price ticket. Last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Online Tickets:

To receive the EBT/WIC discount, you will need to verify your eligibility prior to purchasing your tickets. You will be prompted to log into or create an account with ID.Me to verify your identity and EBT/WIC affiliation. For help troubleshooting the Id.me application, please visit the ID.me Help Center.

Gate Tickets: 
If purchasing tickets at the gate, please be ready to present your card at the Admissions booth upon arrival. Last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Book a glowing night out with your group and save! Purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $20 per person for groups of 20+ guests. 

• Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.
• Payment is due two weeks in advance, and tickets will be mailed to you via USPS.
• We are unable to accept purchase orders or provide invoices for payment at a later date.
• Refunds for overpayments will not be issued and cannot be applied toward future trips.

General Event Information

Where is Boston Lights held?

Zoo New England's Boston Lights is held at Franklin Park Zoo, located at One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121. Directions to Franklin Park Zoo

When is the last entry for Boston Lights?

The last entry for Boston Lights ticket buyers is 9:30 p.m. to allow everyone time to enjoy the experience and to exit by 10:30 p.m.

Will I see any animals at Boston Lights?

If you're looking to see all animals and habitats, we recommend purchasing separate daytime admission tickets. At night, the focus is on the lanterns!

While some animals may have access to their outdoor habitats in good weather, they often choose to rest inside where they are not visible. All of our indoor habitats, including Nature’s Neighborhood, Barnyard, Tropical Forest Pavilion, Gorilla Grove, and Bird’s World, are closed during Boston Lights. For the best animal experience, plan a daytime visit.

How long does it take to walk through Boston Lights?

The one-way, 1.5-mile loop through the Zoo takes approximately 60 - 90 minutes to enjoy. Please note that Boston Lights closes at 10:30 p.m.

What is the best path to follow through Boston Lights?

The path through Boston Lights is designed as a one-way loop, so you'll experience the entire event no matter which entrance you use. Following the designated path helps ensure you don't miss any displays along the way and makes for a smoother, more enjoyable experience for all guests.

Will bathrooms be open?

Yes, bathrooms will be open.

Will the playground and play structures be open?

No, the playground and play structures will not be open during Boston Lights.

Will the indoor buildings be open?

No, the indoor Tropical Forest Pavilion, Gorilla Grove, Bird’s World and the barnyard will not be open during Boston Lights.

Tickets & Reservations

Are reservations required for entry to the Zoo?

Yes, reservations are required for both members and non-members. 

• Members must purchase tickets. Boston Lights admission is not included with membership.
• Guests with general admission need reserved tickets (printed or on phone) to check in.
• Please make every effort to arrive at the time designated on your ticket.

I can't find my pre-purchased tickets in my email.

Use the "order lookup" function in the menu of our ticketing site for access to your tickets. You will need to provide the email address and phone number used during purchase.

Can I stay in the Zoo for Boston Lights if I have a daytime ticket for the same day?

No. All daytime guests must exit the Zoo at closing time so we can make our final preparations for opening Boston Lights. Guests with Boston Lights tickets can enter through the admissions booth at their ticketed time. 

Do I need to purchase tickets for my children?

Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.

What if I make a reservation and I'm unable to attend at the date/time I selected?

All ticket sales are final. Please make sure you are able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.

I bought the wrong tickets/timeslot. Can this be fixed?

All ticket sales are final. Due to capacity limits, we cannot reschedule or refund tickets. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.

After I purchase my reservation and enter the Zoo, will my time be limited or restricted?

Each timed reservation group should have more than enough time to see the lanterns and open exhibits. Pathways are one-way to help with guest flow. Please note, Boston Lights closes at 10:30 p.m.

What if I am late for my reserved time slot?

Capacity within time slots is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time. 

Can I leave the Zoo and come back in?

There is no re-entry to Boston Lights.

Pricing, Discounts & Membership

Will you accept cash as payment?

Cash is accepted at the gate for tickets, pending availability, as well as at all concession and gift shop locations.

Can I apply the price of my Boston Lights tickets to a Zoo New England membership?

No, Boston Lights tickets are not eligible to be applied toward an annual membership.

Are Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts available?

No, Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts are not available for Boston Lights. 

Are library passes or ConnectorCare Cards being honored?

No, library passes and ConnectorCare Cards are not honored for Boston Lights. Guests who would like to visit during the day may use these passes and cards.

Can I use the Boston Family Days discount at Boston Lights?

No, Boston Family Days admission is for daytime admission only on designated Sundays. Tickets are required for Boston Lights.

Weather & Cancellations

Are you open if it's raining?
Yes! All tickets are rain-or-shine, and we don't offer refunds, rainchecks or rescheduling. We encourage you to dress accordingly, or check out our gift shop for rain gear during your visit. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made here on our website and on social media.

If the Zoo has an emergency closure due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, ticket holders for that evening will be immediately refunded and contacted at the e-mail address used to make the ticket purchase. Please allow 3-5 business days for your refund to be reflected in your account. If you have any questions, you can reach us at ZNEMembership@zoonewengland.org. 

Getting Here & Parking

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is free, and there are lots located near both entrances to the Zoo. View Franklin Park Zoo map

Valet parking is available most nights at the Zebra entrance on a first come, first served basis at $20 per car. Valet parking is available from the start of the event until close.

Which entrance should I use for Boston Lights?

Both the Zebra and Giraffe entrances are available. View Franklin Park Zoo map

Can I use a Rideshare service to get to/from Boston Lights?

Yes! All rideshares (ex. Uber and Lyft) have a designated drop-off and pick-up location in front of the Zebra Entrance at Franklin Park Zoo. Please note that beginning at 10:00 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, rideshare drivers will not be able to access Circuit Drive and will need to exit via Blue Hill Avenue.

Please note that the Zoo is unable to offer storage for car seats or other equipment at this time.

Food & Amenities

Will food be available for purchase?

Food is available for purchase at the Farmhouse Cafe and Kalahari Outpost. Map

Can I bring in food?

Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own food.

Are coolers allowed in the Zoo?

No, coolers are not allowed in the Zoo at this time.

Will strollers or wheelchairs be available for rental?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent. To reserve a wheelchair, please contact us at 617-989-2076, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wheelchair reservations should be made at least a day in advance.

Rules & Guest Conduct

Can I fly a drone in the Zoo?

For the safety of our animals, drones are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds to protect the health and safety of both our animals and your pets. Service dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks are welcome. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

Can I take photographs?

While guests are welcome to take photos of the lantern displays, please be mindful of visitors around you and do not block the pathways. Please do not bring camera equipment that requires extensive set-up time and/or will block pathways and space for other guests, or disrupt the pathway flow. Drones are not permitted on Zoo grounds without prior permission from Zoo New England.

Can I smoke in the Zoo?

Smoking and vaping within our Zoo is prohibited. Check with the Admissions booth for the closest permissible location.

Can I wear a costume?

For safety and family-friendly fun, costumes must:

• Be appropriate for all ages
• Avoid large inflatable suits
• Not completely cover the head
• Avoid full-body animal costumes that could be mistaken for event staff or vendors

Looking to celebrate a milestone or gather your team for an unforgettable night out? Elevate your evening with a private tent rental at Boston Lights!

Celebrate Under the Lights: Make your birthday celebration unforgettable with a private party tent at Boston Lights!

Boston Lights illuminates the importance of conserving the incredible biodiversity on our planet. Guests will learn more about our commitment to conservation and ways to participate in wildlife and habitat preservation. Embracing sustainability, all our lanterns shine with energy-saving LED lights.

For over a thousand years, Chinese lantern-making has been more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant art form that embodies Chinese philosophy, symbolism, and communal celebration. The lanterns from Zigong, often called the "Lantern Capital of the World," represent the pinnacle of this craft. The skills required to create these lanterns - from complex framing and intricate knot-tying to delicate silk painting - have been preserved through a master-apprentice system for centuries.

We work with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. on creating these larger-than-life displays at Boston Lights. Each and every lantern involves a labor of love (and skill!) to create. Artisans and skilled professionals work as a team to design full-scale displays, sew and glue colorful fabrics, hand-paint intricate details on each lantern, model and assemble steel frames for each lantern's structure, install thousands of LED light bulbs, and more.