Frequently Asked Questions
How to Best Enjoy Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Chinese Lantern Festival - Good To Know!
What are the hours for the events?
Wednesdays through Sundays
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (No admittance after 9:00 p.m.)
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Family Activities
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Chinese Folk Art Marketplace
6 – 9 p.m.: Food Truck(s)
6 – 6:45 p.m.: Kung Fu Show followed by a Coaching Session
7 – 7:30 p.m.: Shadow Play followed by Backstage Activities
7:45 – 8:30 p.m.: Kung Fu Show followed by a Coaching Session
8:45 – 9:15 p.m.: Shadow Play followed by Backstage ActivitiesOur Kung Fu shows are at 6 and 7:45 p.m. and Shadow Plays are at 7 & 8:45 p.m.
How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets through this website or on-site at the event. Yes, tickets will be sold at the box office. You can arrive between 5:30 & 9 p.m. Online tickets purchased in advance of your attendance date are discounted versus tickets purchased at the event. Children 2 and younger admitted free.
Are packages available for groups and group tourst?
Groups of 15+ can purchase tickets for self-guided tours in advance by calling 704-829-1252 at the standard advance ticket price of $21.95/adult, $19.95/senior, and $14.95/child. Groups of 15-25 can register for a 60-minute guided tour at either 6 or 7:45 p.m. by calling 704-829-1252. Guided tours are $100 plus admission for each guest at $21.95/adult, $19.95/senior, and $14.95/child. Payment is required two weeks in advance.
Is this an indoor or outdoor event?
The Chinese Lantern Festival is an outdoor event. We suggest bug spray or long pants as this event is near the water.
Can I buy tickets at the event?
Yes, tickets will be sold at the box office. You can show up any time after 5:30 p.m. Our Kung Fu shows are at 6:30 p.m. and another at 8:00 p.m.
Do I need to print my tickets if purchased online?
We recommend that you print your online tickets. While we can scan your e-tickets through your cell phone at the event, some cell phones present scanning challenges.
What does my ticket admission include?
All tickets include admission to view the Chinese lanterns, live performances, and folk artist demonstrations. Food and beverages can be purchased on site.
Is the Chinese Lantern Festival for children?
Yes! People of all ages greatly enjoy Hanart Culture's Chinese Lantern Festival. There are terrific interactive activities for children and live entertainment.
What are your ticket and admission policies?
All ticket sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.Tickets are only valid on the issued date. Ticket must be presented at gate to gain admission. Ticket holder assume all risks associated with the event. Event management reserves the right to eject any person(s) violating any law, rule, or policy.
Note: If an event is cancelled due to weather, guests will be given rain checks.
What items are not allowed into the festival?
Please do not bring the following onto the grounds: Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, illegal drugs, controlled substances, weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, bikes, roller skates, skateboards, or other carry-ins as determined by event management.
You may want to bring something to sit on while you enjoy the show.
Can I bring food and/or beverages?
Beverages, dinner options and snacks will be available for purchase from The Garden Store and vendors. The Garden does not have a restaurant onsite. Picnics and coolers are welcome anywhere on the property, but please no alcoholic carry-ins. Please leave grills at home.
If I cannot attend, can I get a refund for my tickets?
Sorry, we do not offer refunds, including for unused tickets. If an event is cancelled due to bad weather or other unforeseen event, guests will be given rain checks.
Can I touch the lanterns?
Please do not touch the lanterns and we ask that you stay outside the designated boundaries. Our lanterns are hand-crafted by Chinese artisans and lit up by thousands of LED bulbs.You'll want to stand back and admire for both your safety and the consideration of other guests.
Can I photograph the lanterns?
Absolutely, take as many photos as you like.
How accessible is the Chinese Lantern Festival for guests with disabilities?
Unfortunately, we do not have wheelchairs for our guests. You are more than welcome to bring standard wheelchairs or handicap scooters for guests in need of assistance. Some venues may offer their own assistive options but guests need to call the venue in advance to see if that is an offered option.
There are generally limited parking space near the visitor's pavillion available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests requiring this added convenience should have a state-issued disabled parking or disabled Veteran license plate.
Are animals allowed at the event?
We do not allow animals except for registered service dogs.
May I smoke onsite?
The Chinese Lantern Festival is a smoke-free event. No smoking of any kind will be allowed, including vaping.
