Guide to Raleigh's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival 2023

Are you considering visiting Raleigh's annual Chinese Lantern Festival? Make sure you know these important facts about the Raleigh Chinese Lantern Festival.

Raleigh, NC, is home to many fun and engaging events. Hosted in and around the Triangle, you will find many fun events like Brewgaloo, NC Sugar Rush, Packapalooza, and more. One of the most popular is Raleigh's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival.

For the 8th year in a row, Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheater will host the festival from November 17th, 2023, to January 14th, 2024. People from all over North Carolina travel to the amphitheater to see over 40 marvelous displays, performances, and more. Comprised of hundreds of working parts and thousands of LED lights, the festival is like no other. 

As a safe and affordable city, Raleigh is known to have many things to do, including festivals, bars, campgrounds, farmer's markets, and fine dining opportunities. However, this festival is a local favorite.

Whether you're joining in for the history, experience, or just a unique night out, you can guarantee to have an amazing time. The festival is family-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family.

Open 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., you should prepare to be there for at least an hour, as it typically takes visitors about an hour to walk through the whole half-mile loop. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about Raleigh's annual Chinese Lantern Festival. 

Here is everything you need to know about Raleigh's annual Chinese Lantern Festival

The History

Dating back to thousands of years ago, Chinese lanterns have been thought to represent good fortune and prosperity. Chinese lanterns are believed to have originated in the Han Dynasty when Buddhist Monks would honor Buddha by lighting lanterns on the 15th day of the lunar year. 

This tradition spread throughout China and has evolved significantly over the centuries. Lantern festivals developed a bit later during the Tang Dynasty when people created lanterns representing peace and power in China. 

In Raleigh, the festival showcases the beauty and tradition of Chinese culture. Each lantern will be handcrafted and assembled by more than 25 visiting Chinese artisans and performers near Raleigh. 

In order to keep the tradition flowing through generations, Chinese families have passed down the ability to build lanterns and celebrate the holiday. Raleigh's festival carries this tradition by making it fun and engaging for kids and adults alike and making it a fun evening for the whole family, all while learning about the deep Chinese lantern history.

What to Wear and Bring

There is no official dress code, so feel free to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Although the festival is during the colder months, we encourage you to bring your jackets. 

The Koka Booth Amphitheatre does have a clear bag policy. In order to uphold the public safety policies, small bags, clear bags, and medical bags are allowed. The festival recommends packing lightly, as your belongings are searched at the entrance, and clear bags will help you easily and quickly enjoy your wonderful night. 

Here is more information on the types of bags and objects allowed:

• Small Clutch Purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
• Clear Bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 9"
• Medical, Parenting, and Camera Bags
• Factory Sealed Bottles of water
• Cameras, tripods, and selfie sticks
• Tablets
• Blankets
• Raincoats
• Ponchos
• Strollers, scooters, or wheelchairs
• Umbrellas

How to get Tickets

Tickets to enter the festival are required, except for visitors ages two and under. You may purchase tickets starting at $9 for specific nights or as an "any night" ticket. The "any night" tickets are $30, but they give you the flexibility to go any night you choose. 

Ticket prices will vary depending on which day you decide to visit. This means the most popular nights, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, come with the highest price. Nonetheless, the tickets are relatively cheap for the experience you'll get in return. 

The event takes place rain or shine, so come prepared with an umbrella or raincoat if it's raining on the day of your ticket. You may buy your ticket at the Box office on the day of, except Christmas Day. However, online ticket purchases will save you lots of time, as lines form on busy nights.

Finally, you can purchase the VIP experience or Twilight experience to make the night extra special, although any night tickets are not valid for these. On Sundays through Thursdays, discounts are available for large groups, Military, Seniors 55+, and College students with a valid ID.

Suppose you are looking for a group of 20+. There are group rates available for specific dates only. Or email the group coordinator to buy 50 or more tickets or book a private area.

Food and Drinks

Guests are prohibited from bringing in any outside food or beverages, with the exception of factory-sealed bottled water. The event will have concessions open, selling an assortment of food and beverage options, including popcorn, pretzels, and coffee. 

On Friday or Saturday, there will be a variety of food trucks on-site to check out. More information on the specific food options will be available as it gets closer to the event date. 

The majority of stands will be Asian-inspired food and holiday treats. Make sure you get your own delicious hot chocolate, either regular or spikes. It is a cash-less venue, so make sure to pack your debit or credit cards. 

Accessibility

Guests will be walking through the event, and wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters are allowed. If you or any of your group members need to take a break or you want to stop at a particular display, there is limited seating on the crescent deck for viewing. 

Viewing the displays takes about 45-75 minutes, but you are welcome to spend as long as you'd like to take in the spectacular festival.

Make sure to fill out the accessibility information form if you know you will need to take extra precautions at the event. Koka Booth takes many steps to make sure you will have a unique and safe experience.

There are three types of parking available: preferred parking for $10 per car, general parking for free, and accessible parking that is first come, first served with a proper hang tag or license plate. 

Performances 

The special performances are like no other. While being surrounded by beautiful LED light displays, you may experience the astounding Chinese tradition and culture through many different types of performances.

Performances will be located on the main stage each night at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. There is limited seating; make sure to bring a cozy blanket if you'd like, as outside chairs and mats are prohibited. Don't worry about being too cold; heated lamps are scattered across the grounds for your convenience. 

Cuddle up with your loved ones to see the amazing acrobats balance, jump, and perform. The performers are skilled in martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics, drum performances, and more to keep you on your toes all night. 

The performances are extremely special, and you definitely won't want to miss out on them. Make sure you arrive at the proper time in order to catch all the amazing shows.

Displays

Now to the most well-known part of the annual Chinese Lantern Festival, the displays. In its entirety, there are about 2,500 lanterns and more than 15,000 LED lights that make up the 50 unique displays. Most notably, the fantastic Chinese Dragon.

As the main display, the dragon is a special cultural symbol in China. Weighing over 18,000 pounds with a length longer than three school buses and requiring a crane with a 15-person crew to install, the astounding display floats on the Symphony Lake near the main stage. 

You'll notice many other beautiful dragons along your visit, including the largest display at the festival, another magnificent dragon seen standing guard at the Imperial Palace of the Ming Empire. 

There are many fun and interactive displays as well, like the kaleidoscope, a misty rain garden, a group of pandas, parrots, and more. Not only will you leave with a sense of joy, but you won't help but be impressed by the amazing festival. 

FAQ: Raleigh's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival

Here are some common questions about Raleigh's annual Chinese Lantern Festival.

How long does it take to walk through the Chinese Lantern Festival?

The engaging festival showcases nightly stage performances like martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics, drum performances, beautiful lights, and more. It takes the average attendee about an hour to walk through. 

Where does the Lantern Festival take place?

Also called the Yuan Xiao Festival, the lantern festival originates from China and other Asian countries as a holiday to honor deceased ancestors on the 15th day of the first month (Yuan) of the lunar calendar.

Where is the Chinese Lantern Festival in NC?

The festival is located in Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheater.

What do you wear to the Chinese Lantern Festival?

There is no required outfit to wear to the festival, although, traditionally, people dress in tred and avoid black and white because they are considered unlucky. At Raleigh's Lantern Festival, there is no uniform or dress code. This means you can wear any outfit you feel comfortable in.

Guide to Raleigh's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival - Our Last Words

All in all, Raleigh's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival is one of a kind. Not only is it extremely fun and engaging, but you'll have the chance to experience almost every part of China's unique lantern tradition. 

With its deep history, Chinese Lantern festivals are extremely special, and Raleigh does its very best to incorporate all the essential parts. You are guaranteed to have the most spectacular night as you walk through the beautiful lights. 

Located in the Raleigh suburb of Cary, this festival and many other fun events are held each year. Check out the unique things to do, the best bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and more in Cary. 

Raleigh is home to many other fun and exciting festivals and events. There are many reasons why the city is so special. Take a trip to the area and see for yourself why 469,124 people call this city their home.

If you or anyone you know are looking for the perfect home in Raleigh, NC, make sure to reach out to one of our helpful Realty Specialists, as we are dedicated to finding you the home of your dreams. Before moving to the city, make sure to contact us to find the best home for you in Cary, North Carolina.