HOLIDAY LIGHTS · CARY

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

45–75 minutes to walk; cashless; no backpacks.

When
Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 (closed Christmas Day)
Cost
Any Night, Twilight and Evening Session tickets (prices on Etix); kids 2 and under free; free parking (preferred $10 advance / $15)
Best ages
Not posted
Where
Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Hours

Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 (closed Christmas Day)Daily 6–10 p.m. (arrive by 9); Twilight Session gates 4:30 p.m.; Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve 6–9 p.m.

Good to know

Strollers
Strollers and stroller-wagons allowed; paved walkways (some grass/pine straw)
Sensory
Sensory-Friendly Night Dec 1: lower music, reduced attendance, no strobe or flashing lights, quiet area
Earliest start
4:30 p.m. (Twilight Session)
Address
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518 Open in Maps ↗

Last checked on boothamphitheatre.com. Plans change, so check the official page before you load the car.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Raleigh

Get the weekend list every Friday.

One short email every Friday morning with the best things to do with little ones in Raleigh that weekend.