Budapest Zoo lights up with the World’s Animals Chinese Lantern Festival from October 17, 2025, to February 22, 2026. This dazzling nighttime event features stunning lantern statues of endangered animals from every continent—Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania—crafted by masters from Zigong (Zigong), China, using traditional techniques.
Festival Dates & Opening Hours
From October 17 to 31, gates are open Friday to Sunday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; last entry at 8:20 PM. From November 1 to February 22, Friday to Sunday, hours shift to 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; last entry still at 8:20 PM. The box office closes at 8:20 PM, and the gates close at 9:00 PM sharp.
Special Schedules
The festival runs daily from October 23 to November 2 and from December 20 to January 4. There is no festival on December 24, 25, 26, and 31. All of this takes place in the heart of the city at 6-12 Zoological Avenue (Állatkerti krt. 6-12).