The annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival opened on November 16, 2024, and ran through January 12, 2025, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
The event, presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture Inc., showcased a vibrant celebration of Chinese art and culture.
A Dazzling Display of Lanterns
Held at Koka Booth’s outdoor amphitheater, the festival featured a self-guided and accessible walking tour with 2,500 lanterns and 15,000 LED lights spread across 40 elaborate displays.
New this year were attractions such as a towering palace, a dinosaur world complete with an erupting volcano, playful pandas, a giant phoenix and an “under the sea”-themed walkway. Many of the displays were interactive, offering an immersive experience alongside their stunning visuals.
Each lantern was handcrafted by more than 25 Chinese artisans, emphasizing the festival’s dedication to authentic cultural artistry. The tradition of Chinese lantern-making dates back over 2,000 years, with skills passed down through generations. While lanterns are traditionally used to celebrate the Chinese New Year, events like the Chinese Lantern Festival provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of this ancient art form year-round.
A Cultural Showcase
In addition to the lantern displays, nightly stage performances highlighted various elements of Chinese culture. Visitors enjoyed martial arts demonstrations, traditional dances, acrobatics and drum performances.
Traditional foods such as spring rolls, sweet-and-sour chicken bites and wonton soup were available, along with warm beverages like coffee and hot chocolate.
Visitor Experiences
This year’s festival attracted over 200,000 visitors, drawn by the glowing lanterns and the convenience of free parking at venue-owned lots.
Senior Liam Look, who attended on December 17, shared his enthusiasm for the event.
“My favorite display was the huge lit-up castle structure in the middle,” Look said. “But I had also never watched any of the performances before this year, and I saw one of the ladies playing a Chinese harp-like instrument, which was really cool.”
Senior Emerson Stouder, another attendee, praised the festival’s impact.
“I would love to see these types of events continue to happen in the Triangle area,” she said. Stouder added that she gained “an appreciation for the intricacy of the lights and the time that people took to put together the exhibits.”
Community Value and Cultural Appreciation
While the festival has become an annual tradition, students at Chapel Hill High School expressed the importance of consistent promotion for such events. Many believe that cultural festivals like this one foster understanding and appreciation for diverse traditions and should be celebrated widely.
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival continues to illuminate not only the amphitheater in Cary but also the significance of cultural exchange in the Triangle area.
