SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Potawatomi Zoo announced it will open March 19 for its new Chinese lantern event, Zoo Luminate, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday weekly, 6 to 10 p.m., until May 25.

“We’re so proud to bring this brand-new event to our region,” says Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen here at the Zoo, and we think it’s something people are never going to forget.”

Zoo officials say the train and carousel will be available during the event, weather permitting. Tickets are $3 per person.

Giraffe feeding won't be available during this event.

Concessions and The Lodge's bar will be open, and drinks, snacks, and adult beverages will be available at the Farmhouse Café.

“It’s hard to describe how spectacular these lanterns really are,” says Sisk. “Even we were astonished when Tianyu began setting up giant pandas, tigers, giraffes, and so much more. There are almost 60 different displays around the Zoo. You really have to see it to believe it!”

The Zoo Gift Shop will be open during Zoo Luminate.

Zoo Luminate was made possible through a partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture.

The event is $20 each for adults, $15 each for children, and Zoo Members can receive discounted tickets at $18 for adults and $13 for children at the gate.

Children 2 and under are free, and a discounted ticket four-pack of two adults and two children is also available for $60. You can purchase tickets online now.

The zoo opens for the season on March 28, with regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.