North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Through Jan 10Nov 21 – Jan 10 · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Daily 6–10 pm Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 (closed Dec 25; holiday hours vary); Twilight Session gates 4:30 pm; Sensory-Friendly Night Dec 1
Koka Booth Amphitheatre8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518Directions
Children 2 and under are always free.
PaidTicketed (Any Night, Twilight and Evening Session tickets; prices on Etix)
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About this adventure
For its eleventh year the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival fills Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary with all-new, larger-than-life lantern displays made by Chinese artisans — each built from hundreds of pieces and lit by thousands of LEDs — plus nightly cultural arts performances. Families walk the illuminated paths after dark, so dress warmly and plan about an hour or more. It is open daily 6–10 pm (arrive by 9 pm) from November 21 to January 10, closed Christmas Day. Ticket types: Any Night (flexible), Evening Session (a set night; price rises on the day) and Twilight Session (gates 4:30 pm for golden-hour photos and smaller crowds). Children 2 and under are free. A Sensory-Friendly Night on December 1 has lower-volume music, reduced attendance, no strobe or flashing lights and a Quiet Area.
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