Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of China at the N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival. This event is now in its eighth year at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina and it is one of my favorite things to do during the winter months. You can enjoy the beauty and artistry of Chinese culture with over 40 all-new displays featuring hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, created by visiting Chinese artisans who stay in our community during the festival. As you walk through the stunning displays, you’ll be transported to a world of wonder and enchantment.
About The Festival
Lanterns have a rich history, with only the emperor and nobles owning large, ornate lanterns in the past. However, nowadays, lanterns have become more intricate, often designed with complex patterns, as exemplified in the display in Cary. Attracted by this spectacle, last year’s festival drew a record-breaking 216,000 visitors from all 50 states and six countries.
This year, visiting artisans have created each of the 40+ lantern groupings by hand on silk fabric stretched over steel frames. The lanterns are then lit with hundreds of LEDs, and the materials needed for the festival, including materials shipped from China, were delivered in 33 tractor-trailers.
The festival will host a sensory-friendly night on December 6th in partnership with We Rock The Spectrum Cary. This year’s lanterns will feature three themes: Peach Banquet, Chinese Lore, and Mysterious World. Most lanterns are made in Zigong, a city in the Sichuan province, which has been the lantern capital of China for centuries. The visiting artisans, predominantly from Shanghai, have lantern-crafting skills that have been passed down through generations.
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Food and Culture
Chinese festivals are known for their delicious and authentic food. The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is no exception, offering a wide variety of Chinese delicacies for visitors to sample. From savory dishes like dumplings and noodles to sweet treats such as moon cakes and ice cream, there is something to suit everyone’s palate. In addition to the food, the festival will also feature cultural displays and exhibits, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about Chinese customs and traditions. During our visit, we tried some chicken dumplings from one of the food trucks and they were delicious!
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is a cherished holiday tradition in the state. It’s an event that you wouldn’t want to miss. The admission fee includes nightly acrobatic and cultural performances that start at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. Prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with mesmerizing sights and sounds. We visited on a Monday night and it was perfect – the crowd was minimal.
The event is running until January 14th, 2024, and is open nightly. Whether you are a resident of North Carolina or a visitor, the festival is sure to create lasting memories and deepen your understanding of Chinese traditions. Mark your calendars and get ready to be captivated by the beauty of the 2023 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. You can purchase your tickets here. Enjoy!
With Love,
Lex Paige
