Chinese Lantern Festival – Raleigh, NC

Do you ever have that experience when you are unexpectedly delighted and amazed?  Perhaps you had that flawless and fast run down a steep, perfectly powdered ski run?  Maybe you saw that stunning multicolored sunset over a calm ocean or stumbled across a hidden lake after a long walk in a thick forest?  Perhaps a friend whom you hadn’t seen in ages called you saying she is in town and let’s have lunch and you have a stimulating conversation filled with laughter.

That happened to me last week.  I was in Raleigh, NC, celebrating Christmas with my cousins.  Since I was there just last year, and I am a planner, I hopped on the Internet a few weeks before my trip to look for new things to do.  I glanced at something called the Chinese Lantern Festival.  Hmmm.  Might be interesting.  I visualized those big red spheres with yellow tassels dangling from the bottom, and thought, well maybe wandering under a bunch of those lanterns might be festive.  I kept looking for more ideas.

Turns out my cousin Rich bought tickets for us to attend.  OMG!  WOW!  AMAZING!  FANTASTIC!  I am not exaggerating.  These are not a bunch of round red lanterns.   This was an hour’s walk through a magical pathway filled with huge light-filled “lanterns” (steel frames and silk) dragons, butterflies, florals, Chinese Zodiac animals, and other whimsical creatures, including a 164-foot-long snake sitting on the adjacent lake.   This is the 10^th year of this annual event, which takes place in December and January.  This year, about 1.3 million visitors are expected.  The lanterns arrive from China to Wilmington, NC via shipping containers and after 50 days on the water, they are trucked to the Raleigh area.  It takes 55 artisans and 18 days to set-up the festival. 

Let me take you on a tour.  Once you walk under the Dragon Gate, noting the serpentine dragon, step into the long and lovely Light Corridor.  It’s packed with 100s and 100s of softly glowing lanterns in various colors, with the occasional pair of koi overhead.   It is about 100 yards and is breathtaking, telling stories of hope, happiness, and celebration. (Cousin Rich and his wife Amelia are below – awesome hosts!)

Note that I am pilfering from the official Chinese Lantern brochure in my descriptions below. It was much more descriptive than I could have created.

The Divine Deer brings blessings and spiritual guidance to those who cross its path.

Welcome to the Panda Gate, showing the beloved black and white ambassadors that celebrate peace and friendship…and it’s a great photo stop.

Meet your Chinese zodiac animal, as all 12 of them are ready for you.   I found my Tiger.  There is a 12-year rotation cycle before each animal is back.  They showcase your various traits and possible destiny.

A very impressive display is the Golden Snake, which languishes on the lagoon.  The longest display at 164 feet long and 20 feet tall, it symbolizes wealth and power.

The delicate star-shaped Light Sculpture Flowers are symbols of ingenuity and mental beauty.

Meet the Nine Tailed Fox.  This mischievous cutie is shift-shaping, inviting you to question what is real and what is illusion.

The majestic Magic Elephant transports you into a world of fantasy, moving in a gentle rhythm with the night breeze.

The stunning Butterfly Tree is filled with a myriad of multi-colored butterflies, dancing through the air, representing sweet love, happy marriage and the pursuit of perfection.   The Big Butterfly symbolizes transformation, beauty and freedom.  Gorgeous, aren’t they?

Besides the exquisite lanterns, there was a showcase of Chinese jugglers and acrobats. They were brilliant. If you happen to find your way in Raleigh in December or early January, do check it out. I was delighted the entire time. Big smile on my face.

This was a fun night wandering around a beautiful exhibit.  I loved it!

Happy new year and blessings to you!