This week we visited the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and it was absolutely lovely. The venue transforms itself completely with larger-than-life lanterns of all shapes and sizes, from dragons to butterflies to giant lobsters and fields of cherry blossoms. Strolling around in the cool night air, you are transported to a different time and place altogether. Not your typical crazy wild “festival”, the visitor is led down winding paths through the dense Florida trees under starry skies – the experience is peaceful, calming and even romantic. It would make a great parents night out, as well as a fun opportunity for the kids to see sparkling lights, hear calming traditional music, identify their Chinese horoscope character, and learn about other icons and symbols of Asian culture.
This fantastic festival starts this weekend and runs on select dates through mid January.
