The Lantern Festival, located at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, offers a captivating mile-long walking path full of handcrafted lanterns inspired by Chinese culture.
The festival runs April 8 through June 14, and it is recommended to buy advanced, time-entry tickets to avoid potential wait times. Free parking is available, and the festival is open from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM Wednesdays through Sundays. In my opinion, the best time to go is when the sun is setting, so the lanterns are more visible and vibrant. There are also various food options scattered throughout the park, with Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings and orange chicken, and snacks such as pretzels, ice cream, and Dole Whip.
I’ve gone twice now with my family, and both times it has been remarkable. Each year they change the setup, so not one year is like the other, making every new opening exciting and bringing everyone back for more. One of my favorite parts is the interactive lanterns and displays that make it even more fun, creating engagement beyond viewing, which I appreciate. Another thing I like is that it’s perfect for all ages to enjoy, so large groups of families and friends can go. Though I’ve never had the food, I’ve heard it is really good, so I plan to try it this year.
All in all, it is a truly remarkable place to bring the people you care about to experience something unlike any other. With all the new displays this year, I cannot wait to return.
