Experience the magic of Dragon Lights Columbus this winter!

If you missed the stunning display of the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival last year, you don’t want to miss it again this year! Now called Dragon Lights Columbus – the celebration of Chinese Culture returns to the Ohio Expo Center from November 23, 2018 – January 6, 2019. This tradition is unlike anything else in Columbus, and you’ll want to experience it year after year! Everyone who visits will leave impressed – it truly is great for all ages.

The magical display features ALL NEW larger-than-life illuminated displays crafted by Chinese artisans from Zigong, Sichuan, China’s cultural capital for the ancient art of lantern-making. You’ll encounter spinning, color-changing, and walk-through displays that during your stroll along the path.

In addition to lanterns, nightly performances, and handmade Chinese crafts, the event will also offer food and beverages. There will be a variety of Chinese and traditional fair food, as well as assorted beverages. Handicraft demonstration this year includes name painting, crystal engraving and aluminum weaving.

All lantern displays are outdoor, while nightly performances, food vendors and culture experience programs will be indoor in the Donahey Ag/Hort Building. Make sure you catch a show with traditional Chinese acts featured include: amazing acrobats and contortionist acts, Chinese face-changing, folk dancing, and plate spinning. The shows will thrill and entertain all ages.

New this year is the Panda Theatre. Surrounded by panda lantern displays, visitors can watch real live pandas through real-time cameras in the one and only panda base in the world – Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, selected Chinese movies with English subtitles will be played at Panda Theater as well. Panda Theater is included in the festival admission. You’ll also have a blast in the Time Travel Booth, also included with admission. Visitors can try on costumes from different dynasties and share your pictures on social media.

Performance Times

Sunday-Thursday: 6:30 PM & 8:00PM
Friday & Saturday: 6:30PM, 8:00 PM, & 9:00 PM

Tickets:

Tickets purchased online before Nov. 23 can receive a $3.00 off discount (per ticket) with the code: “ZAONIAO” (early bird in Chinese Pinyin).

$17 for adults, $12 for youth 16 and under, free for children 5 and under
$14 for veterans and active military (id required) and seniors ages 65+
$50 for a family 4 pack (2 adults, 2 children)
Parking is $6, cash only

Now through January 3, bring the family for the holiday happy hour where family 4-pack tickets are only $45 between 5:30-6:30 (box office only.)

New Years Eve Special!

As part of its New Year’s Eve celebration Dragon Lights Columbus will kick off 2019 by offering FREE admission to the first 19 guests and will host a countdown at 8 pm for kids with a HUGE Panda piñata full of candy and new year wishes. Live, indoor performances are offered nightly. Don’t forget about the Family Four Pack special at the box office between 5:30-6:30 mentioned above!

Want to win tickets? We’re giving away a Free Family 4 Pack for Dragon Lights to be redeemed by December 1! Contest ends on November 15 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond. Winner must be an email subscriber for our daily newsletter. Enter via Rafflecopter widget below. You can earn an additional entry by leaving a comment about what your Thanksgiving weekend plans are – OR your favorite holiday dish – on our Facebook post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dragon Lights is open Tuesday thru Sunday – 5:30 PM to 10:00PM. Closed on Monday EXCEPT FOR December 24th and December 31st 2018. This event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path, and is a memorable experience for all ages.