Aquarium Lantern Festival

November 6–January 9, 5:30–10:00 p.m.

The Aquarium Lantern Festival returns with last year’s favorites and new nature-inspired lanterns on the outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza.

The Lantern Festival is a separate after-hours event. A separate ticket is required; daytime admission is not included. Daytime guests must exit the Aquarium by 5:00 p.m. and may re-enter at 5:30 p.m. with a Lantern Festival ticket.

All lantern displays are outdoors. The Aquarium’s indoor areas are open from 5:30–9:00 p.m., though some animals may be asleep. Tuki’s Island: Play & Party Center is closed during the event.

You may arrive anytime between 5:30 and 10:00 p.m.; lines are typically longer at 5:30. The experience typically takes about two hours. Allow at least an hour and a half to see the displays, explore the galleries, and take photos.

Tickets and discounts:
- Children 2 and under are free.
- Students, seniors, and military are eligible for discounts at checkout.
- Aquarium members receive 15% off with a member login at checkout.
- The ticket information lists group tickets for orders of 20 or more at $2 off each ticket. However, the FAQ says group discounts are not offered and that all guests, including groups, must purchase individual tickets.
- SNAP, EBT, and WIC are not accepted for this event. Museums for All discounts apply to daytime admission only.

To reschedule, email [email protected] with your confirmation number and requested new visit date.

The Café inside the Aquarium is open until 8:00 p.m. Plaza concessions are available until 9:00 p.m. Food and drinks are available for purchase at both locations. Outside food is not permitted; empty water bottles may be brought and refilled at the stations.

The event is held rain or shine. If severe weather causes a cancellation, tickets will be transferable. The festival is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. The Aquarium is open for daytime guests on New Year’s Eve, has limited hours on Christmas Eve, and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

All Aquarium buildings and Lantern Festival spaces are wheelchair-accessible. Outdoor areas may be affected by rain, snow, or ice. Paths and ramps are maintained; use caution in icy conditions.

The event may include bright, flashing lights that could trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Some areas of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza are closed during the day.