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The display featuring more than 40 larger-than-life lantern sculptures is going on now, from Nov. 23, 2018 to Jan. 6, 2019 within the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Expo Center and Fairgrounds, located at 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus.
Credit: Liz Condo
Credit: Liz Condo
The festival is a celebration of Asian Folk Culture with professional acrobatic performances, a panda themed marketplace, popular Chinese handicraft arts, and a wide selection of food and beverages.
Our artisans from China hard at work on one of our brand new lanterns for this year! Can you guess what this one will be?
Posted by Dragon Lights Columbus on Monday, October 22, 2018
Dragon Lights Columbus 🐲✨The magic of the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival returns with a new name and brand new lanterns! Dragon Lights Columbus will illuminate Ohio Expo Center & State Fair beginning November 23rd! 🎉 We will be returning this year with new lanterns, interactive displays, and performances as well as indoor activities to escape the cold, new food options, and special themed activities! 🐼⛩ Tickets go onsale today! Get yours and learn more at www.dragonlightscolumbus.com 🎟🐉
Posted by Dragon Lights Columbus on Monday, October 15, 2018
Tickets range from $14-19 per person, and will be available for purchase at the festival entrance, or online at ohiolanternfestival.com. There are also family 4-packs available for $50 online and $55 at the box office. It's recommended to purchase tickets online to skip the line and also save some money.
Credit: Tyler Stabile | Dispatch
Credit: Tyler Stabile | Dispatch
Additional indoor space will be added to this year’s festival within the Donahey Ag/Hort Building, which is adjacent to the Natural Resources Park. Lantern displays will be both indoors and outdoors.
New family-friendly additions include 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. In addition to this year’s new themes and displays, some traditional and popular Chinese elements from previous years will remain.
Credit: Liz Condo
Credit: Liz Condo
The iconic 200-foot-long Chinese dragon will also return with a whole new look that will wow guests.
Credit: Liz Condo
Credit: Liz Condo
Food & Beverages
Throughout the festival a wide variety of Asian and Western food will be available, ranging from Dan Dan Noodle to hot dogs. More Asian food vendors will be added to the festival this year as well. Beverages will include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Hot chocolate and hot cider will be available as well.
Vendors will service two concession areas – one inside the Donahey Ag/Hort Building and the other under the pavilion near Smoky Bear. Both areas have seating available.
For more information, visit ohiolanternfestival.com.
WANT TO GO:
WHAT: Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
WHEN: Nov. 23- Jan. 6. Hours are 5:30-10 p.m. The festival is closed on Mondays, except Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
WHERE: Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus
TICKETS: Dragon Lights admission tickets are available online and at festival entrance box office. Advanced online tickets will be $2 cheaper than tickets at the door and provide guests express access to the festival. Ticket prices are as follows: Child, age 5-16, $12 online and $14 at the box office; Adult, age 17-64, $17 online and $19 at the box office; Senior, age 65 and above, $14 online and $16 at the box office; Military, with valid ID, $14 online and $16 at the box office; Family Four Pack, for two adults and two children only, $50 online and $55 at the box office. Young children under 5 are free to attend the festival. Special rates for groups with 15 people or more are available. Click here to buy tickets.
PARKING: Parking will be charged separately by Ohio Expo Center at $6/car, cash only.
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