# NC Chinese Lantern Festival 2026

> NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, North Carolina: Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, with hours, ticket prices and what is nearby. Checked against the organizer.

Source: https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/holiday-lights/cary-nc-chinese-lantern-festival/

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](https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/nc-chinese-lantern-festival/), November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.

## Where Is NC Chinese Lantern Festival?

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## Christmas Markets Near NC Chinese Lantern Festival

[Saint Nicholas Market  Raleigh, North Carolina  Dec 4 to 5, 2026  6 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/raleigh-saint-nicholas-market/) [Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market  Raleigh, North Carolina  Nov 27 to 29, 2026  6 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/raleigh-christmas-carousel/) [Moore Square Winterfaire  Raleigh, North Carolina  Dec 11 to 13, 2026  10 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/raleigh-moore-square-winterfaire/) [Raleigh Christmas Market  Raleigh, North Carolina  Dec 5, 2026  12 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/markets/raleigh-jolly-raleigh-holiday-market/)

## Other Light Shows Near Cary

[Raleigh Holiday Express  Raleigh, North Carolina  Dec 1 to 17, 2026  Light show at an attraction · 8 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/holiday-lights/raleigh-pullen-park-holiday-express/)

[Christmas Markets and Lights Near Raleigh](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/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](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/holiday-lights/) · [Christmas markets in North Carolina](https://bestchristmasmarketsusa.com/states/north-carolina/)