The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is back, brighter than ever.
Every year, Koka Booth Amphitheatre transforms into a breathtaking world of glowing art, culture, and magic. If you’ve never experienced it, imagine strolling along the water’s edge, surrounded by towering illuminated sculptures, floating lanterns that dance across Symphony Lake, and vibrant displays inspired by ancient Chinese tradition. It’s not just a local event, it’s one of North Carolina’s most iconic winter experiences.
A Tradition Rooted in Art + History
Chinese lantern craftsmanship dates back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, when lanterns symbolized respect, prosperity, and celebration during the Lunar New Year. While the tradition continues across China, a piece of that heritage comes to Cary each winter.
More than 50 artisans and performers travel from China to North Carolina each year to create this magical display. Most of the lanterns are crafted in Zigong, a city known as the lantern capital of China for centuries. Once completed, the designs are packed into shipping containers, transported to NC Ports in Wilmington, and trucked to Cary for assembly (it takes 45 tractor-trailers to transport them!). Arriving in late October, they spend 15 days assembling the lanterns on-site, using skills passed down through generations.
What Makes This Year Special
This year's festival includes a brand-new floating installation on Symphony Lake: a jaw-dropping 164-foot lantern so large that a crane and a 15-person crew are required just to put it in place.
Each lantern at the festival is crafted entirely by hand, using silk fabric stretched over custom, handcrafted steel frames. Every piece is illuminated by hundreds, sometimes thousands, of LED lights, and each design is created exclusively for this event, making every lantern a one-of-a-kind work of art.
With over 40+ lantern groupings across the venue, no corner of the trail is left untouched. Each lantern tells its own story through color, movement, and light.
More Than Lanterns — A Cultural Experience
The walk-through experience offers more than stunning lanterns; you’ll find live cultural performances throughout the night, interactive displays that make for unforgettable photo moments, and a wide range of concessions serving both Asian-inspired and classic favorites. Warm up with a specialty hot chocolate (spiked or classic), and on weekends, rotating food trucks are often on site. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or a family outing, expect to spend about 45–75 minutes exploring the full trail and taking it all in.
Pro tip:
Wear comfortable shoes. Although walkways are paved, some areas are grassy and can be soft after rain. And since Koka Booth is an open-air amphitheater, dress warmly for those crisp Carolina evenings.
Why North Carolina Loves This Festival
The lantern festival isn’t just a visual spectacle, it’s an experience rooted in history, artistry, and the joy of gathering with friends and family.
From the towering mythical creatures to the stunning floating lantern displays, every moment feels like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s the perfect blend of culture, creativity, and holiday magic, right in our backyard.
Plan Your Visit
Dates, ticket details, and this year’s full event schedule can be found on the official festival website. We highly recommend booking in advance — this event sells out every year.
🔗 Visit the festival website to reserve your tickets and explore FAQs.
