N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary: dates, tickets, parking

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Dates, hours, tickets and rules come from Koka Booth Amphitheatre’s festival page. This page is updated for each season at the same address.

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for its 11th year from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027. It is open 6 to 10 p.m. daily and closed Christmas Day, the amphitheater announced on Aug. 5. The displays are all new this season.

Know before you go

• Dates: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, to Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027; closed Christmas Day
• Hours: 6 to 10 p.m.; arrive by 9 p.m. Twilight Session gates open at 4:30 p.m.
• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway
• Tickets: mobile only, on Etix or by phone at 800-514-3849; children 2 and under free
• Parking: about 1,500 free spaces; preferred parking $10 in advance, $15 on the night
• Questions: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 919-462-2025, info@boothamp.com

What it is

Chinese artisans build larger-than-life lantern displays, each made of hundreds of pieces and lit by thousands of LED lights, around the amphitheater’s lake, and cultural arts performers take the main stage every night, according to the festival page. The amphitheater says more than 50 Chinese artisans and performers arrive in late October to assemble 40-plus lantern groupings, and that this year’s new floating display on Symphony Lake is 164 feet long. The festival is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture in cooperation with the Town of Cary.

Themes this season are Chinese culture, mythical creatures, mysterious nature and interactive displays.

Tickets

The amphitheater sells three kinds of admission, all through Etix:

• Any Night: good on any night of the festival, the flexible option and the one sold as a gift.
• Evening Session: for one chosen night, gates at 6 p.m. Prices rise if you buy on the day.
• Twilight Session: for one chosen night with early “Golden Hour” entry at 4:30 p.m. and smaller crowds. No discounts apply, and there is no Twilight Session on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.

Discounts for military, seniors 55 and older and college students, with ID, apply Sunday through Thursday nights only, not on Fridays, Saturdays or holidays. Groups of 20 or more get group pricing Sunday through Thursday, except during the blackout from Dec. 14 to Jan. 3. Online and phone orders carry a $2.50 order fee; the box office at Gate 1 adds a 3% processing fee instead of online fees. The venue is cashless. Ticket prices are on the Etix listing.

The amphitheater recommends buying ahead: tickets may not be available on the night.

Holiday hours

A Sensory-Friendly Night on Tuesday, Dec. 1, has lower-volume music, reduced attendance, no strobe or flashing lights and a quiet area. It has its own ticket listing.

Parking and getting there

Koka Booth Amphitheatre is at 8003 Regency Parkway. The amphitheater says it has about 1,500 free parking spaces in its own lots; some nearby businesses charge for their lots. A limited number of preferred parking passes cost $10 in advance and $15 on the night; buy one for the date you will attend. Accessible spaces are first come, first served with a hang tag or plate. Groups arriving by bus should email or call 919-462-2025 ahead.

Lines can be longer on weekends, holidays and mild evenings.

What to bring and what to leave home

• Bags: leave them home if you can. Bags 6 by 8 inches or smaller, clear bags up to 12 by 12 by 9 inches, and medical, parenting and camera bags are allowed. All bags are searched, and guests pass through metal detectors or are wanded.
• Allowed: two factory-sealed bottles of water per person, cameras, tripods and selfie sticks, blankets, raincoats, ponchos, umbrellas, strollers and stroller wagons, and mobility devices.
• Not allowed: outside food and drink, alcohol, backpacks, coolers, glass, reusable bottles (the water fountains are off for winter), lawn chairs, tables, drones, laser pointers, noise makers and weapons.
• Pets: not allowed. Trained service animals are permitted; emotional support animals, comfort animals and therapy dogs are not.

Concessions sell food and drinks each night.

More holiday events

The rest of the season, from Santa photos to the menorah lighting, is on our holiday lights and Christmas events page, and the downtown parade is on the Christmas parade and tree lighting page.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary in 2026?

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. It is open 6 to 10 p.m. daily and closed Christmas Day.

What are the Chinese Lantern Festival hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve?

On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve the gates are open 6 to 9 p.m., stage shows are at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. only, and there is no Twilight Session. It is closed Christmas Day.

Do kids need a ticket for the Chinese Lantern Festival?

Children 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket. Buy tickets for children 3 and older.

Is parking free at the Chinese Lantern Festival?

Yes, in the amphitheater’s own lots, which have about 1,500 free spaces. Preferred parking passes cost $10 in advance and $15 on the night.

Can I bring my dog to the Chinese Lantern Festival?

No. Pets are not allowed. Trained service animals are permitted; emotional support animals are not.