Guide to North Carolina's Annual Chinese Lantern Festival [2025]

NC Chinese Lantern Festival 

Are you considering visiting the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival? Here is what you need to know about this popular festival in the Raleigh area! 

When considering a move to the Raleigh area, prospective homeowners often ask about the cultural experiences and community events that make this region special. Among the Triangle's most enchanting attractions is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, held annually at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

This spectacular eight-week celebration has become one of North Carolina's signature holiday traditions and light displays, drawing more than a quarter-million visitors each year and generating over $10 million in economic impact for Wake County.

For families settling into the Raleigh area, the Chinese Lantern Festival offers a perfect introduction to the Triangle's vibrant cultural landscape. It's more than just a light display; it's an immersive experience that connects our community to a tradition spanning more than 2,000 years of Chinese history.

Whether you are exploring neighborhoods in Cary, researching local amenities before your move, or simply looking for extraordinary family activities, the Chinese Lantern Festival represents the kind of world-class cultural programming that makes the Raleigh area an exceptional place to call home.

Learn more about the NC Chinese Lantern Festival 

1. A Tradition Rooted in Ancient History

The Chinese Lantern Festival traces its origins back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), when Emperor Ming of Han, a supporter of Buddhism, learned that Buddhist monks would light lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month to honor Buddha.

The emperor then ordered that lamps be lit in the royal palace and temples that evening, instructing both the aristocracy and common people to hang lanterns, and over time, this Buddhist ritual gradually evolved into a grand celebration.

The festival's duration evolved throughout history, and the duration continued to increase depending on the dynasty. The tradition celebrates the first full moon of the lunar new year and symbolizes family unity, prosperity, and the welcoming of spring.

Since 2015, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has been brought to Cary by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., making our region one of only a handful of cities in the United States to host this incredible event. 

In order to keep the tradition flowing through generations, Chinese families have passed down the ability to build lanterns and celebrate the holidays. Last year, the 2024-2025 festival season marked the ninth year of the celebration and attracted visitors from all 50 states and six countries.

2. Festival Details for 2025-2026 

The tenth anniversary celebration of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival will run from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026, at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre (8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518).

Operating Hours:

• Open daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Closed Christmas Day
• Gates open at 6:00 PM
• Visitors should arrive by 9:00 PM

3. What to Wear and Bring

There is no official dress code, so feel free to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Since the festival runs from November through January, the North Carolina weather can be chilly. Dress in warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, and consider bringing:

• A warm jacket or coat 
• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes 
• Hat and gloves for colder evenings 
• Camera or smartphone for photos 

To expedite entry, the festival recommends packing as light as possible and encourages guests to leave bags at home (look for the "No Bag line" at the main entrance). If you must bring a bag:

• Bags 6" x 8" or smaller are allowed 
• Clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 9" are allowed 
• Medical, parenting, and camera bags are permitted 

4. Tickets and Pricing 

Tickets are required for all guests except those ages two and under, with options generally ranging from $17 to $41. Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office during operating hours, or by phone at (800) 514-3849. 

If you know your preferred date in advance, date-specific tickets offer savings. Group rates (20+ people) apply to date-specific tickets Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays and December 16-January 1, with smaller groups (20-49) purchasing directly and groups of 50+ contacting the Group Coordinator.

Any Night tickets offer ultimate flexibility, allowing you to attend on any night of your choice and making them ideal gift options. Twilight tickets allow early entry 90 minutes before opening during "Golden Hour," providing reduced crowds as you witness the lanterns come to life in the night sky.

5. Food and Beverages 

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 festival offers a variety of authentic Chinese cuisine and refreshments throughout the grounds. Food options include crispy spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken bites, and wonton soup, along with beverages such as coffee, beer, wine, and hot chocolate (adults can get their hot chocolate spiked with Bailey's).

6. Accessibility

The event is wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways throughout the festival area, parking area, and entrance. For those needing to utilize accessibility services, guests can fill out a form on the venue's website or contact the amphitheatre.

The festival will feature a sensory-friendly night on December 2nd, which will include lower decibel music, no strobe or flashing lights, and a designated Quiet Area for attendees with sensory sensitivities.

7. Cultural Performances 

One of the best parts about attending this festival is the special performances. Nightly stage performances take place at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 PM, featuring martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics, and drum performances that provide insight into Chinese cultural traditions.

Performances include face-changing mask dances, acrobatic acts with hoops and poles, hat juggling dances, the Cheeky Monkey King traditional dance, revered Chinese lion dances, and martial arts demonstrations that often include pulling children from the audience for a short lesson.

8. The Spectacular Displays

Each year, Chinese artisans travel to Cary to craft more than 40 all-new displays, with each one comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights. These magnificently crafted lanterns are made from meticulously fused metal and hand-painted silks, illuminated from within by thousands of LED lights.

Each year features a new theme related to Chinese folklore, tradition, and mythology, such as the Peach Banquet (symbolizing longevity, health, and luck in Chinese culture), Chinese Lore, and various cultural narratives.

Past festivals have included everything from depictions of the Monkey King and the Legend of White Snake to Jurassic Park-themed displays and tributes to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef.

One of the most impressive installations is the massive Chinese Dragon floating on Symphony Lake. This majestic dragon, measuring 200 feet long (longer than three school buses), standing 21 feet high, and weighing 18,000 pounds, with its impressive head installed by a crane and crew of 15 workers, is a festival show stopper. 

The festival is a self-guided walking experience, with a typical visit taking approximately one hour to walk through the entire display. The paved walkways make the experience comfortable for all visitors.

9. Parking and Transportation 

There is plenty of parking available at the festival, but with the crowds, it is a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot. Koka Booth Amphitheatre has approximately 1,500 free parking spaces in amphitheatre-owned lots. Some local businesses may also charge fees for parking in their lots.

Preferred parking passes are available in advance for $10 or $15 the night of the event (be sure to purchase for the correct date). A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a proper hang tag or license plate. 

10. Why This Festival Matters 

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is an exciting cultural attraction around the holidays that makes this region so attractive to families and individuals alike. The festival's economic impact of over $10 million demonstrates the area's ability to host world-class events. 

Cary's location, just minutes from Raleigh and the heart of the Research Triangle, offers residents access to both small-town charm and metropolitan amenities. For families with children, the festival offers educational value alongside entertainment.

Kids learn about Chinese culture, art, and traditions while enjoying the magical atmosphere of illuminated displays and live performances. The interactive elements, from lantern riddle games to martial arts demonstrations involving audience participation, create lasting memories and foster cultural appreciation.

Methodology 

Data was sourced from the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival and Britannica to determine what you need to know about the annual festival this year. 

FAQs 

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. It's a venue that hosts everything from concerts to cultural celebrations, providing year-round entertainment for residents.

What do you wear to the Chinese Lantern Festival?

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

Guide to the NC Annual Chinese Lantern Festival - Final Thoughts 

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is a seasonal attraction that is worth visiting for families and residents. Not only is it extremely fun and engaging, but visitors will have the chance to experience almost every part of China's unique lantern tradition. 

For those already living in the Raleigh area, it's an annual must-see event that never disappoints with its ever-changing themes and displays. For those considering a move to the Triangle, it represents the caliber of cultural programming that makes this region exceptional. 

The festival's tenth anniversary celebration promises to be the most spectacular yet, honoring a decade of bringing this ancient tradition to North Carolina. Whether you are a longtime resident or new to the area, we encourage you to experience the magic of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.

Walk through the illuminated wonderland, watch the cultural performances, savor authentic cuisine, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It's experiences like these that transform a house into a home and a neighborhood into a community.

For more information about living in Cary and the greater Raleigh area, or to explore homes near Koka Booth Amphitheatre and other premier Triangle locations, contact Raleigh Realty today. We're here to help you find the perfect home in a community that celebrates culture, diversity, and unforgettable experiences.