Walk-through lantern installation
UpcomingNorth Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Cary, North Carolina
November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Last verified · 4 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
- Venue
- Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- Usual hours
- The usual festival hours are 6–10 p.m. Eastern. Twilight Session ticket holders may enter at 4:30 p.m.
- Tickets
- 3 official ticket options listed
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Visit time
- The venue estimates about 45–75 minutes to see the displays.
- Organizer
- Tianyu Arts & Culture
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Upcoming The published season is November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027. This label describes the season, not whether the gates are open right now.
Last verified · 4 official sources
Koka Booth festival page ↗Dates & hours
November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
The usual festival hours are 6–10 p.m. Eastern. Twilight Session ticket holders may enter at 4:30 p.m. Holiday hours differ.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Holiday schedule
- : Thanksgiving Day: 6–9 p.m.; no Twilight Session.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- : Christmas Eve: 6–9 p.m.; no Twilight Session.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- : Closed on Christmas Day.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Tickets & prices
Choose your ticket on the official event page. Published price amounts could not be independently confirmed during this check.
View official ticketsPrices, fees, and availability may change. The organizer’s current terms control.
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- General parking in amphitheatre-owned lots is free; nearby businesses may charge separately.Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth directions and parking ↗
- A limited number of accessible spaces are available near the main gate on a first-come basis with a valid tag or plate.Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth accessibility services ↗
- The venue has a signed rideshare drop-off and pickup zone at 11000 Regency Parkway.Koka Booth directions and parking ↗
What to expect
- An outdoor walk-through display of illuminated lantern installations, with cultural performances on the main stage.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- The route uses paved walkways and some grassy or pine-straw areas.Koka Booth festival page ↗
How long to visit
- The venue estimates about 45–75 minutes to see the displays.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Kids & family
- Children age 2 and under enter free without a ticket. Visitors age 3 and older need a ticket.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Food & drinks
- Venue concessions operate during the event. Food trucks are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, subject to change.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed; the event page permits factory-sealed bottled water. Check the venue’s current quantity rules before arriving.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Accessibility
- The venue states that its paved walkways are wheelchair accessible. Guests may bring wheelchairs or mobility scooters; the venue does not provide wheelchairs.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- The venue offers accessible parking and a guide to other access services. Contact the venue for individual accommodations.Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth accessibility services ↗
- The organizer lists December 1 as a sensory-friendly night with reduced attendance and music volume, no strobe or flashing lights, and a quiet area.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Weather & cancellation
- The event is planned for rain or shine, but the venue may close when walking conditions are unsafe. Check its official page or weather updates before travel.Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth weather policy ↗
Tips before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes; grassy and pine-straw areas can be muddy after rain.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- Pack lightly. The venue encourages visitors to leave bags at home and publishes size limits and exceptions.Koka Booth festival page ↗
- Allow extra time on weekends and holidays, when lines may be longer.Koka Booth festival page ↗
Frequently asked questions
Is there a last arrival time?
The venue asks Any Night and Evening Session guests to arrive by 9 p.m. Twilight Session guests are encouraged to arrive by 5:30 p.m.
Koka Booth festival page ↗Can I bring a stroller?
The official event page lists strollers and stroller wagons among permitted items.
Koka Booth festival page ↗Are dogs allowed?
Pets are not allowed. The venue permits trained service animals under its policy.
Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth accessibility services ↗What bags are allowed?
The venue allows small bags up to 6 by 8 inches, clear bags up to 12 by 12 by 9 inches, and medical, parenting, or camera bags. All bags may be searched.
Koka Booth festival page ↗Can a group arrive by bus?
Yes. The venue asks bus groups to contact it in advance so staff can plan drop-off, pickup, and parking.
Koka Booth festival page ↗Koka Booth directions and parking ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 26, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- Koka Booth festival page ↗Official event schedule · 2026–27 dates, hours and holiday exceptions, ticket types and official vendor links, organizer, event format, family rules, food, weather, accessibility, duration
- Koka Booth directions and parking ↗Venue directions and parking · venue address, parking, rideshare
- Koka Booth accessibility services ↗Venue accessibility · accessible parking, venue access services
- Koka Booth weather policy ↗Venue weather policy · venue weather guidance
Last verified · 4 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.