As we have gotten closer to the fall season, we have begun to see more and more creative and fun socially distanced events being put on all around the city. One that has gone viral on a few different social media platforms, especially on TikTok, has been the Franklin Park Zoo’s Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience. When I had first seen a video of this light show on TikTok, I thought, “I have to go!” Of course, I had gotten distracted by some other videos at the time. It wasn’t until a few days later, when I had finally looked online for tickets, that I had learned quite a few September and October dates had already sold out! I had underestimated just how popular this event was going to be among Bostonians. With how the event was being advertised and with how popular it had become on social media, I should have known better. It wasn’t until after some waiting that I finally got tickets for Oct. 8.
If you’re looking to attend this light show, make sure you buy tickets in advance, as you cannot buy tickets in person. The zoo had made sure to think of all the ways they could follow social distancing guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this type of event. For these reasons, the zoo is trying to limit and control the number of individuals going into the venue and are only doing online ticket sales. It is absolutely essential that you buy tickets on their site! When you go onto Franklin Park’s website, it covers the cost of admission and also includes a small summary of the event.
For general admission, it is $19.95 per person; for members of the zoo, it is $17.95 per person. Children under 2 years of age are let in for free. If you are thinking about going with a larger group, it is $67.95 for a four-pack of non-members. For members, it is $59.95 (1). One thing that is important to know is that upon buying tickets, they will assign you a time slot. You have to be on time for your slot the night of your event (I was assigned 9:30 p.m. which is the last time slot that is offered). However, I do know they will not let you in early, as this is to prevent any clog-ups of people walking through and to prevent overcrowding the walk. The space that we were able to have while we walked through the light displays was great and left me a lot less anxious than usual. I really appreciated the guidelines they followed and enforced. So make sure to follow these timing rules.
Moreover, the site goes on to explain the purpose of the event which is for attendees to “… experience the wonder of over 50 magnificent displays comprised of hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns spanning Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres” (1). They even claim, “[the light show is] the first of its kind in New England, our lantern experience will dazzle and delight guests of all ages!” (1)
They also explain the set-up of the walk which is “through a luminous 66-foot long shark tunnel, dramatic entrance arches, radiant flower gardens, and traditional Asian Lantern scenes” (1).
I had some ideas of what to expect due to the videos I had seen, however upon entering the walk, I was still so amazed by the bright lights and scenes.
Something significant that I loved about this event was how they shined a light onto biodiversity and the wide variety of species that we have on our planet. This ranged from displays of Panamanian golden frogs to snow leopards, to even Blanding turtles which are a local turtle species (1). I found this event to be a very creative, effective way to bring awareness to biodiversity and certain species that are struggling, while going over ways professionals are going about these types of situations and ways that even we can help.
These biodiversity displays were well light and had many different gorgeous colors. The whole walk was amazing to look at and made great backdrops for photos. I was especially amazed by their dragon that is reportedly 197 feet long. It was a must-see display (1). I would also say that this event is a great, well-rounded activity for all ages! It could be a great family outing or a date night idea, or a fun hangout for you and your friends! Make sure to bring a coat just in case it gets cold, like how it was on the night I went. I was thankful I had brought a comfy jacket, as without it I definitely wouldn’t have enjoyed the night as much as I had. Also, again make sure to check out their website for tickets and what dates are still available; most of the October dates are sold out, but you can buy in advance for November which I highly recommend. If you don’t mind the wait, I recommend buying your tickets today!