Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Cary
“Colorful.” “Luminous.” “Enchanting.”
These are a few words students used to describe their visit to Cary’s annual Chinese Lantern Festival.
While this year will only be the ninth winter festival in Cary, the tradition dates back 2000 years ago to China’s Han Dynasty. The festival has gained a great deal of popularity since 2015, and over 200,000 guests are expected to attend this year.
Entering the one-hour walk at the Koka Booth Amphitheater, visitors are taken down a lantern-lit pathway and led into the entrance of the festival. Attendees are greeted by a vibrant array of hundreds of glowing lanterns displays, transporting them from Central NC to the mystical world more than 25 Chinese artisans have built for their audience. Not only is the festival filled with these intricate, LED-lit lanterns, but it also includes cultural art performances and interactive activities.
This year, performances run intermittently featuring acts of lively acrobatics and dancing.
Sophomore Sam Murphy says the performances are her favorite part of the festival.
“I really liked the performances because it was something I had never seen before and so it was really cool to watch,” Murphy said.
Interactive activities are another fan favorite. This year’s feature a smoke cannon, illuminated dance floor and colorful seesaws.
Junior Nick Igescu attended the festival in 2022 and says these activities were his favorite part.
“I liked the big dragon lantern and the bubble machine,” Igescu said.
2024 attendees are thrilled to know that this display will make another appearance this year, in addition to over 40 new lantern displays, including an under the sea extravaganza and Chinese zodiac photo op.
This unique festival will be open from November 16-January 12 from 6-10 pm. Tickets cost $36 for general admission. For more information, visit the amphitheaters website . Visitors get the chance to celebrate Chinese culture with an experience that is captivating for all ages and a sure memory for family and friends.
(Top to bottom) An underwater ocean landscape, siheyun 1, frog, siheyuan 2, and lanterns on display at the Chinese Lantern Festival. The festival runs from Nov 16 to Jan 16 at the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, NC. Photos by Violet Davis.
