Insect World- Butterflies and Bees! 

Plenty of photo opportunities will enhance your night, allowing your family to enjoy the festive holiday spirit! Be sure to visit the food trucks, grab some hot chocolate, and take your time with each display! 

Over 50 artists arrive to Cary in late October to hand assemble each display's materials and lanterns. Shipped from China to the ports of Wilmington; each display includes silk fabric, stretched over steel frames, then lit by LED lights. It took over 45 tractor trailers to transport the supplies for the 40+ displays at this year's festival! 

Lanterns have been a part of Chinese culture for over 2000 years! Ornate special lanterns were originally owned by the emperor and noblemen, with simple ones being available to the general population. In modern times, everyone has access to intricate, delicate displays that make their way overseas for us to enjoy. 

For many centuries, most lanterns have been made in only one city: Zigong, in the Sichuan province, the lantern capital of China. Visiting artisans, most from ShangHai, have lantern-crafting skills that are passed down the generations, and they travel in to put together the displays at celebrations across the country. 

In a world filled with holiday shopping, Santa Claus visits, and popular Christmas performances, the Chinese Lantern festival is a unique family outing. It's also available now through January 11, so it's the perfect holiday outing for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks! When those long days hit, and you aren't sure what day of the week it is, heading over to the Chinese Lantern Festival will be a great way to celebrate joy and light, especially heading into the New Year! In fact, did you know that in Chinese culture, red symbolizes good fortune in the new year? 

There are three different opportunities to attend the Lantern festival this season:

Twilight at Golden Hour:  $35.79 (Ages 13 and up) or $22.40 (Ages 3-12). (Ages 2 and under-free)

Early entry at 4:30 PM allows a joyful experience, especially for those with disabilities and a longer flexible time. Limited Entry means that crowds won't be as bad, and you can take your time with each display. 

Evening Tickets: Tickets for this selection are $24.46 to $30.64 (Ages 13 and up) depending on the specific night selected. Weekdays are generally cheaper (and less crowded). Gates open at 6 PM and close at 10 PM (note holiday hours, or special occasions, before going in!) 

Admission into the festival, with over 40 displays of lanterns! Walk all the way around the theater and through the center for unique exhibits. 

Daily Performances of Chinese Culture; featuring acrobats, juggling, and dancing. Performances are subject to weather and/ or unforeseen circumstances. Scheduled at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 PM; each performance is about a half hour long. Be sure to view the Swan dance after the show too! 

An Interactive exhibit to get all the energy out! From the kids at heart to young ages; there is a specific area designed for hands-on art, music, and learning. Swing, jump, and wander through the mirror maze! 

A fun experience with your friends & family! I went with a friend, and we had so much fun taking time away from our regularly overscheduled lives to immerse ourselves in the lights, the Chinese folklore, and learn about ourselves!

Photo Opportunities include:

Parking is free, but during peak times, parking can get filled quickly! 

The venue's food is highlighted in line with the Chinese Arts festival, providing various Chinese food options for delicious edibles. Food Trucks are also available (mostly on the weekend, but be sure to check it out if you are there in the middle of the week.. we didn't know a dumplings truck was there!) Also, don't forget the hot chocolate. 

The booklet is online, so be sure to grab a QR code. Most displays have signs to share about the symbol and meaning, but having the QR code means you can remember it back home too! Although, it is awkward to walk around trying to read your phone and see the exhibit. 

There is plentiful seating for eating, resting, and the like, but the performance area has limited season. If you have mobility issues, you might want to venture that way early. 

The Venue's bag policy still holds up! They recommend going bagless, if you can. 

December 02: Sensory Friendly Night! Featuring a lower volume of music, reduced attendance, and will not include strobe or flashing lights. Additionally, there will be access to a designated Quiet Area for those in need of a break from sensory overload. I am thankful that the festival has this night, as even I can get overwhelmed with crowds, loud music, and flashing lights. Thankfully, our night was relatively calm, but I can imagine as the season goes on, it will pick up! If this is anyone in your crew, considering heading out this night! 

The Butterfly Tree

Moonlight Swings

Mythical Beast Dang Kang

This holiday season, be sure to add the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC to your list! 

Other cities include Houston, Jacksonville, Fresno, Memphis, Oakland, Chattanooga, San Antonio, Columbia, Omaha, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Orlando, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Dallas, New Jersey, Santa Barbara, Little Rock, West Palm Beach, Phoenix, Wichita, Bridgeport, Reno, Milwaukee, and Boston.