Featuring hundreds of illuminated animal sculptures and immersive light displays, the Lantern Festival at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has transformed the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza into a winter wonderland. The festival, which runs through Jan. 6, 2025 offers visitors the chance to see larger than life, nature-inspired lanterns and to learn a little something about the animals depicted in light.

Layne Pitcher, vice president of marketing and operations at the Aquarium said, “We’re always looking for opportunities to do something for the community and to forward our mission. This Lantern Festival does both.”  

Each lantern consists of a heavy wire frame with painted fabric stretched over it. All kinds of sea creatures, mammals, birds and plants are depicted. The lanterns were custom-made for the Aquarium by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. which has created public light displays at zoos, fairs and festivals all over the world.

Many of the animals and habitats represented in lantern form may be seen live inside the Aquarium. In fact, access to the Aquarium is included with the price of admission to the Lantern Festival before 9 p.m. on most evenings. Visitors should check the Aquarium’s website for specific dates and details.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s mission statement is to inspire people to learn about, explore and discover Earth’s ecosystems. The Lantern Festival reflects this mission not only by presenting facts about animals posted at each display, but through the sheer, awe-inspiring scale of the lanterns.

A giant Pacific octopus surrounded by twinkling coral dominates the 9-acre plaza. Visitors will encounter lanterns depicting creatures ranging from polar bears and penguins to a giant-sized chameleon and tree frog. There is a scene of brilliantly colored tropical birds flapping their wings, giant clams emitting bubbles and walk-through tunnels of blue lights adorned with clownfish, stingrays and jellyfish.

Pitcher explained, “There are moving lanterns and some you can touch, feel and interact with.” Photo ops are located throughout the grounds allowing visitors to take a picture with a human-sized river otter or to pose before an enormous set of color-changing wings. There is even a small swing set made of lanterns.

Last month, at a special preview evening for press and Aquarium employees, guests marveled at the displays. Day care manager Ilse Wilson visited with her two young sons. "This is our first festive season outing," she said, watching a display of animated penguins. "This is just so clever."

"Spectacularly clever!" her son, seventh-grader Cayden Wilson, added.

Riley Smith, whose wife worked for the education department at the Aquarium, said, "This is one of the best uses of this space that I've seen. It's something that I would consider coming back to."

“We’re super excited to have this,” Pitcher said, adding that public response to the festival has been very positive. “People can see beautiful lanterns and also learn something about the animals they represent.”

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located at 12033 Lone Peak Parkway in Draper. The Lantern Festival is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12.95 to $27.95. Students, military and seniors are eligible for discounts. Aquarium members received 15% off. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit livingplanetaquarium.org.