I am so excited to take my kids to the Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival! I love teaching them about other cultures and what better way than to immerse yourself in beautiful lights, delicious food and magical shows! Make the most of your trip to Columbus and visit some other landmarks like COSI and the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.
Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival
The magical glow of more than 40 larger-than-life lantern sculptures will illuminate the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio Expo Center, located at 717 E 17thAve, Columbus when Dragon Lights Columbus is now open! The festival celebrating Asian culture will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30 – 10 p.m. through Jan. 6, 2019 with special Monday hours on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
What Is It
The festival is curated with children and family in mind, including a giant elephant whose colors can be changed as visitors pedal on the bike next to it, interactive moon-shaped swings that glow in the dark, and many more animated displays. Although the lanterns are all new and some changes have been made to the lantern new themes and technologies, traditional and popular Chinese elements from previous years remain. The iconic 200-foot-long Chinese dragon will also return with a whole new look that will wow guests.
Activities
Cultural programming and refreshments will be presented in the Donahey Ag/Hort Building adjacent to the Natural Resources Park which offers ample seating. This year’s programs include not only stage performances, but also a series of fun activities for guests of all ages.
Stage performances will highlight folk arts and culture with professional acrobats and musicians from China. Stage performances are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with bonus shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m.
In addition to stage performances, visitors to Dragon Lights can also experience a “Time Travel Photo Booth” featuring costumes from different Chinese dynasties; a Panda Theater surrounded by lantern displays where visitors can watch real live pandas from Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, as well as different selected Chinese movies; a panda themed-marketplace where various kinds of panda products are available for purchase. The Panda Theater movie schedule (included in admission) will be available at Dragon Lights Colombus and at the entrance of the festival.
Chinese handicraft demonstrations will return to this year’s festival featuring inner-bottle painting and Chinese knot-weaving. The handcrafters travel from afar with their special equipment and astonishing skills to showcase their talents and visitors will have the opportunity to watch the unique artworks being created onsite and with the option to purchase them as souvenirs.
A wide variety of Asian and Western food options will be available at Dragon Lights, from Dan Dan Noodle to hot dogs. Beverages include alcohol and non-alcohol options. Hot chocolate and hot cider are promised to be the perfect match for the holiday season.
Tickets
Dragon Lights admission tickets are available online and at the festival entrance box office and at CAM International Supermarket located at 3767 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH.
E-tickets are date-specific, include express access at the festival entrance and can be redeemed with a printed copy or directly from a smartphone.
Parking will be charged separately by Ohio Expo Center at $6/car, cash only.
Special rates are available for groups with 15 or more people. For more ticket and event information, please call 888-484-2698, or visit the website Dragon Lights Columbus.
Giveaway
Head over to my facebook page to get entered into my giveaway for a family 4 pack! Good Luck!
{ 0 comments… add one now }