Returning to Fair Park with 25 lantern displays, the Chinese Lantern Festival is expected to attract crowds til the beginning of the new year. The Lantern Festival wowed Dallas last year with brilliant, glowing artworks in vivid colors, and promises even more impressive artistry this year. More than 40 artists from China will work on-site at Fair Park for weeks in a temporary ‘lantern factory’ to create exquisite scenes that include animals, myths, buildings and legendary characters. From dragons to dinosaurs, tulips to flamingos—even a herd of longhorn cattle—figures will form dreamscapes of color and motion, including 17 brand-new scenes.
Visitors are invited to “Light a New Dream,” as they marvel at spectacular displays that include the Imperial Dragon Boat. Stretching over 300 feet, this royal craft will welcome passengers aboard in the middle of the lagoon.
The Porcelain Pagoda will stop traffic to take in the graceful beauty of its nine towering spires, reaching as high as 52 feet. Inspired by a Buddhist temple in China’s Yunnan province, it matches the original’s height, and will be composed of an astounding 68,000 pieces of porcelain dishware—plates, bowls, spoons, and cups—all hand-tied using traditional techniques. This was one of my favorite displays.
This was my first time to experience the Chinese Lantern Festival and I’m mad at myself that I didn’t take the time last year to see it. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss. It’s truly beautiful and great for all ages.
The Chinese Lantern Festival will run from Saturday, Sept. 27, 2013, through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. During the State Fair of Texas (Sept. 27-Oct. 20), the Lantern Festival will be a paid attraction, with entry by food & ride coupons only: $14 for adults, and $9 for children (aged 4-12). New this year is that the price will remain the same, daytime or nighttime, and visitors will be allowed to re-enter the Festival as often as they wish on the same day. Organizers are offering a Texas-sized discount on admission during the Fair, knowing folks are passing through two gates to see the magnificent creations. After the Fair, tickets will be $22 for adults and $14 for children, available in person at the Festival and online.
Dates and Hours:
- Sept. 28 – Oct. 20 (during the State Fair), daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Oct. 24 – Dec. 8, every Thursday through Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Dec. 12 – Jan. 5, daily, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Going to the State Fair? Here are ways to save money on admission at the State Fair of Texas.
DInosaurs! We are there. Actually, the hubby and I were just talking about what activities we could do when my family visits from out of town…adding this to our list!
How gorgeous! I can't wait to go later in the week!
Beautiful photos! I really want to check this out at the Fair this year. Thanks for sharing!