Chattanooga Zoo Hosts Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy, Boosting Holiday Tourism with Stunning Lantern Displays and Family Fun- Check Out Now

Published on November 20, 2025

The Asian Lantern Festival: Forest of Fantasy is set to light up the Chattanooga Zoo from November 21 to January 17, 2026, bringing a festive blend of art, culture, and holiday cheer to the city. This captivating event has quickly become one of the most anticipated winter festivals in the area, attracting both locals and tourists eager to experience its unique displays. Featuring hundreds of intricately designed lanterns up to 26 feet tall, the festival creates a magical atmosphere that combines Chinese lantern traditions with Christmas classics and mythical creatures.

As it enters its fourth year, the Asian Lantern Festival is a significant contributor to Chattanooga’s growing tourism industry. This year’s festival, titled “Forest of Fantasy,” promises to be bigger and more immersive than ever before. The event is not only a visual spectacle but also an engaging, interactive experience for visitors of all ages, cementing its place as a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

A Festival That Lights Up the Night

The Asian Lantern Festival is a stunning showcase of handcrafted lanterns made of silk, which are reminiscent of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. The festival features nearly 50 distinct displays that span the entire zoo, transforming the space into a glowing, whimsical wonderland. From towering dragons and unicorns to Santa Claus, snowmen, and reindeer, the lanterns are designed to evoke both the fantasy of mythical creatures and the joy of the holiday season.

What sets this year’s festival apart is the addition of interactive elements. Many of the lantern displays move, change colors, and play music, providing a dynamic experience that constantly evolves as visitors explore. For example, certain displays feature walkable floors that light up, creating a sense of magic with every step. Visitors can also engage with stationary bicycles that blow bubbles, enhancing the immersive experience for families and young children.

One of the most captivating features of the Forest of Fantasy is the walk-through kaleidoscopic light tunnel, where guests can immerse themselves in swirling colors and patterns, further heightening the sense of wonder. The festival’s interactive nature ensures that it is not only a visual feast but also a highly engaging and memorable event.

A Boost for Chattanooga’s Tourism Industry

The Asian Lantern Festival has become a key player in Chattanooga’s winter tourism, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond. As the festival has grown in size and popularity, it has made a significant impact on local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, offering a much-needed economic boost during the holiday season.

Chattanooga, known for its scenic beauty and rich history, has leveraged this event to expand its tourism offerings. The zoo, already a popular destination, becomes a must-see location during the winter months thanks to the festival. For visitors, the event offers a unique way to experience the city, combining the festive spirit of the holiday season with the cultural allure of the lantern displays. The Asian Lantern Festival also helps highlight Chattanooga’s commitment to hosting cultural events that attract diverse audiences, from families looking for holiday entertainment to tourists interested in exploring new, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The influx of visitors to the festival boosts local tourism by encouraging extended stays, as tourists often take the opportunity to explore other attractions in the city, such as Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the creative arts district. As travelers flock to the city to experience the lantern festival, they contribute to the local economy by spending on accommodations, dining, and shopping, benefiting small businesses and the tourism sector as a whole.

Family-Friendly Fun and Cultural Exploration

The Asian Lantern Festival is designed to be a family-friendly event, offering something for everyone. In addition to the light displays, visitors can participate in a variety of activities that enhance the holiday experience. For example, on November 21 and 22, the festival will feature performances by the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu, who will showcase a traditional lion dance at Mimi’s Pavilion. These performances, which occur at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night, incorporate multiple styles of kung fu, rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes, and even ancient weapons, providing an exciting cultural experience for attendees.

The event also offers a creative outlet for children and families with a make-your-own lantern craft station, available while supplies last on the same dates. This hands-on activity encourages visitors to get involved in the festival beyond simply viewing the lantern displays, providing an opportunity for families to bond while crafting their own unique lanterns.

The Asian Lantern Festival also serves as a perfect way for visitors to explore and learn about Asian culture through its lanterns and performances, blending festive fun with cultural education. As more travelers seek to engage with diverse cultures and traditions, events like this help provide a deeper understanding of different art forms, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural exchange.

Special Holiday Events and Packages

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Chattanooga Zoo offers a variety of special holiday packages. Groups of up to 40 people can book private event spaces and enjoy admission to the Asian Lantern Festival for a memorable evening out. These holiday party packages are an ideal way for businesses, families, and organizations to celebrate the season together while taking in the beauty of the festival.

The zoo also hosts Kids’ Night Out events on December 4 and 18, offering guided tours of the lantern displays along with animal meet-and-greets, crafts, and games. This program, designed for children aged 5 to 17, provides a fun and educational way for kids to experience the festival while also learning about the animals at the zoo.

By offering these unique experiences, the Asian Lantern Festival goes beyond a typical holiday attraction. It provides opportunities for local residents and tourists to engage with the event in a way that aligns with their interests and schedules, whether through group events, children’s activities, or a more intimate holiday celebration.

Economic Impact and Holiday Tourism

For Chattanooga, the Asian Lantern Festival has become an essential part of the city’s holiday tourism strategy. In addition to drawing in visitors, the festival strengthens Chattanooga’s position as a cultural and tourism hub in Tennessee. The combination of festive lights, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits makes the event an attractive draw for families, couples, and tourists of all ages.

The festival also aligns with the growing trend of experiential tourism, where visitors are looking for unique, immersive activities that go beyond typical sightseeing. The Forest of Fantasy offers just that—an experience that blends the magic of the holidays with the wonder of traditional lantern craftsmanship, making it a standout event during the winter season.

From an economic standpoint, the festival provides a much-needed influx of visitors during the slower winter months. As Chattanooga continues to build its reputation as a year-round destination, events like the Asian Lantern Festival are critical to maintaining the city’s tourism momentum. With more travelers looking to take short breaks or long weekend trips to experience festive events, Chattanooga stands out as an ideal destination for winter tourism, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and engaging experiences like the lantern festival.

The Future of Chattanooga’s Winter Tourism

Looking ahead, the Asian Lantern Festival is poised to continue its growth, attracting more visitors each year and becoming an increasingly important part of Chattanooga’s holiday tourism landscape. As the event expands, it will likely inspire more businesses and organizations to create similar experiences, further boosting the region’s appeal to travelers looking for something unique and festive.

In the coming years, the festival may evolve to include new exhibits, performances, and interactive displays that enhance the visitor experience. The success of this event underscores the importance of investing in cultural tourism and creating memorable experiences that bring people together. The Asian Lantern Festival is not just a seasonal celebration; it is a celebration of art, culture, and the magic of the holidays that continues to captivate visitors from near and far.

For Chattanooga, this festival has proven to be more than just a tourist attraction—it is a symbol of the city’s commitment to offering visitors unforgettable experiences that enrich both the local community and the tourism industry. As it continues to illuminate the zoo with its stunning displays, the Asian Lantern Festival will no doubt remain a beloved tradition for years to come.