By Juliana Octavini
If you are planning to travel to Orlando in the coming months, prepare for an even more vibrant year end (literally!).
It happens in the city two unmissable events for those looking for a fun and amazing ride outside the theme parks.
Shall we check it out?
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
O Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is an event that has been enchanting Florida residents and tourists for five years in Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
This year, it happens between the days 15 November 2024 to 19 January 2025.
It happens on selected nights, where visitors have the opportunity to walk a path around the zoo and see closely gigantic illuminated sculptures representing animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements, as well as LED-lit lanterns, all hand-made with more than 10,000 led lamps.
There are over 50 sculptures aimed at celebrating Asian culture, art and beauty.
During the event, visitors can also enjoy typical food and drinks, live music and craft activities.
Tickets (acquired HERE) for Asian Lantern: Into the Wild must be purchased apart from the regular entrance of the zoo and therefore do not give the entrance to the park, since the event takes place outside the operating hours of the zoo, with sessions that take place at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
Remembering that tickets are limited per night, so you have to plan ahead and get your tickets as soon as possible, okay?
The total journey takes around an hour and a half and is an amazing event to take many unforgettable photos!
Ticket values cost US$ 22 (adults and children over 3 years). Kids up to two years go in for free.
Aqua Lanterns: Chinese Festival of Lights
Similar to Asian Lantern Festival, the Aqua Lanterns: Chinese Festival of Lights, what happens in Clearwater Marine Aquarium, also brings several illuminated sculptures, but of marine animals.
There are about 30 of them among whales, penguins, jellyfish and other giant sea creatures that will delight anyone!
The event is also night and takes place after the aquarium hours.
Tickets (acquired HERE) cost $55 per person and the sale of tickets will help support the CMA mission to rescue and rehabilitate marine animals. Tickets include entry to explore the CMA overnight, with the opportunity to see marine mammals rescued, such as sea turtles and dolphins.
The event takes place from Wednesday to Sunday, from 18 October to 3 November 2024: from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and 6 November to 30 December 2024From 5:30 to 9:30.
Orlando Water Lantern Festival
Another unmissable event in Orlando, but with a slightly different proposal from the ones mentioned above is the Orlando Water Lantern FestivalWhat's going on? only on November 22, 2024, no Lakefront Park.
The event is dedicated to an ancient Asian tradition involving the release of lanterns in the waters as a symbol of good luck and hope.
During the festival, participants can decorate their own lanterns with messages, wishes or prayers before releasing them into the water. As night falls, the lanterns create an impressive visual display, floating in the water and shining under the light of the stars.
The festival also features live music, kiosks with food and drinks, as well as several other activities to keep participants entertained all night.
Tickets can be purchased HERE and cost: US$28.99 (until October 29, 2024); US$35.99 (until November 1, 2024); US$45.99 (until November 21, 2024) and US$55.99 (on the day of the event).
Children under six come in for free.
