Tickets now on sale for 11th annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning this winter for its 11th year, and tickets are now on sale.

The highly anticipated holiday tradition will run from Nov. 21 through Jan. 10, 2027. This year, Chinese artisans are creating all-new displays, each composed of hundreds of individual pieces and illuminated by thousands of LED lights.

The large lantern displays will showcase exceptional craftsmanship and artistic detail, offering guests a memorable experience throughout the festival grounds. Cultural arts performances will also take place nightly on the main stage.

The festival will be open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Festival ticket options include Any Night Tickets, Twilight Session Tickets and Evening Session Tickets.

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Any Night Tickets are designed for guests who want more flexibility in choosing a date or who wish to give tickets as a gift for any festival evening. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free.

Twilight Session Tickets allow early entry during the "Golden Hour," beginning 90 minutes before the regular opening time. This option offers smaller crowds and more time to experience the lantern displays before sunset.

Twilight tickets will be available Monday through Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. They are not available on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. No discounts apply, and these tickets are date-specific.

Evening Session Tickets are valid for a specific evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. These tickets are also date-specific.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as prices will increase beginning Nov. 21.

To buy tickets, and to find more information on this year's festival can be found here.

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