NC Chinese Lantern Festival 2024-2025 in North Carolina

Every holiday season, Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina, transforms into a magical space full of amazing characters, thanks to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. It showcases more than 50 displays, each a work of art on its own. They are comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of LEDs. Light displays and lanterns illuminate dark winter nights and instantly get people into the holiday spirit.

Light Displays

The lanterns are made out of silk, draped over sturdy steel frames and illuminated by hundreds of LED elements. The major highlight of the festival is the giant lantern on Symphony Lake. This magnificent dragon is 200 feet (60 m) in length and 21 feet (6.6 m) in height. It is one of the most popular and most photographed creations at the festival. The entire construction weighs approximately 18,000 pounds (8,164 kg). You can also witness a magnificent floating tiger, colorful light tunnels, and numerous bird-shaped lanterns.

Other Attractions & Events

The festival offers many surprises for visitors, including cultural performances, artisan craft fairs, and special events like Chinese drumming, juggling, face-changing, acrobats, martial arts, and much more. The performances are set to take place at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm. On Christmas Eve, you'll have a chance to witness impressive cultural shows at 7 and 8 pm.

Food & Beverages

Make sure to try a delicious hot winter beverage from the Chinese Lantern Festival cafe or try Asian favorites like a crispy spring roll or Wonton shrimp. Beer and wine are also available by the glass. The venue prohibits entry with outside food and beverages, except for bottled water.

Schedule & Hours

The event is open from 6 pm until 10 pm, but early entry at 4:30 pm is possible with a Twilight ticket, which offers you a chance to witness the display during the golden hour. Twilight ticket holders should arrive at the venue before 6 pm. Sensory Friendly Night, with fewer crowds, quieter areas, and no flashing lights, is set to unfold on December 3rd. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the gates close at 9 pm. The festival does not take place on Christmas Day. While the experience typically lasts around 45 to 75 minutes, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds at their own pace for as long as they wish.

Tickets

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival offers several ticketing options: Any Night tickets, Date Specific tickets, Group Date Specific tickets, Sensory Friendly night passes, and tickets to the Twilight Experience. Ticket prices may increase on the date of the event. Any Night tickets can be used for any date of the event, except for Twilight Experience, and cost $31-36. Date Specific tickets can only be used for a chosen date and cost $11-15 for children between 3 and 12 years old and $17-21 for everyone older. Children two and under can enter for free.

To enjoy Sensory Friendly Night, you need to pay $17-19 for individuals over 13 years old and $11-13 for younger persons. Sensory Friendly Twilight Experience costs $26 and $15, respectively. Twilight Ticket Experience tickets cost $26-31 for everyone over 13 and $15-20 for everyone younger. Discounts are available on selected nights for seniors over 55 years old, college students, and military.

Location in Cary

Koka Booth, The Amphitheatre is located on Regency Parkway in southern Cary, just off US 1/US 64 via the Tryon Road exit. The city of Cary itself is situated just 12 miles (19 km) from Raleigh and 19 miles (31 km) from Durham, another great destination.

Visitor Reviews

The rove.me editorial reached out to several visitors of the NC Chinese Lantern Festival to learn about their experience at the event. We wanted to hear about the atmosphere, organization, and whether they would recommend the festival to other visitors. Our editor was also able to get some useful tips for your visit to this magical spectacular.

Leighton Paranzino from Pinehurst, NC, attended the festival with her significant other and shared her thoughts on the event, "Wonderful experience, absolutely beautiful! I absolutely recommend checking it out. We are making it an annual trip." To make the most of your visit, she suggested bundling up since it can get colder than you might expect. Leighton also noted, "Definitely spring for the premier parking; it is worth it. Bring your best camera to take awesome photos."