NC Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
Giant lanterns made by Chinese artisans and lit by thousands of LEDs fill the grounds of Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre, with cultural performances on the main stage each evening. 2026 is its eleventh year.
| Dates | November 21, 2026 to January 10, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Closed Fri, Dec 25 |
| Hours | Every open night 6 pm to 10 pm Twilight Session tickets enter from 4:30 pm. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve the gates are open 6 to 9 pm, with no Twilight Session. |
| Tickets | Tickets for a set evening, an early Twilight Session or any night; children 2 and under free; preferred parking $10 in advance or $15 on the night |
| Type | Walk-through light show |
| Length | Most guests take 45 to 75 minutes |
| Where | Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, west of Raleigh, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518 |
| Dogs | Service animals only. |
Checked on Koka Booth Amphitheatre, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is NC Chinese Lantern Festival?
Loading the map…
See Hotels Near NC Chinese Lantern Festival affiliate
Christmas Markets Near NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Saint Nicholas Market
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dec 4 to 5, 2026
6 miles away
Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market
Raleigh, North Carolina
Nov 27 to 29, 2026
6 miles away
Moore Square Winterfaire
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dec 11 to 13, 2026
10 miles away
Raleigh Christmas Market
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dec 5, 2026
12 miles away
Other Light Shows Near Cary
Christmas Markets and Lights Near Raleigh
Questions About NC Chinese Lantern Festival
When is NC Chinese Lantern Festival open in 2026?
November 21, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Closed Fri, Dec 25. Hours: Every open night 6 pm to 10 pm.
How much are tickets for NC Chinese Lantern Festival?
Tickets for a set evening, an early Twilight Session or any night; children 2 and under free; preferred parking $10 in advance or $15 on the night. Prices as published by the organizer for 2026.
Is NC Chinese Lantern Festival a drive-through?
No: it is a walk-through show that you see on foot.
All Christmas light shows · Christmas markets in North Carolina