Dragon Lights Lantern Festival

During my travels, one thing I've learned is that a wrong turn is nothing to freak out about because most can be easily corrected. Sometimes wrong turns turn out to be fortunate accidents in that they take you somewhere you might not have otherwise seen.  The latter is what happened to my husband and I while in Chicago last weekend.  

While driving into the city, R got off the expressway an exit too early and the GPS rerouted us up Lake Shore Drive right past Soldier Field.  As we passed, we saw the most colorful Chinese shapes and figures on the south parking lot. A quick Google search revealed that the shapes and figures are part of the traveling Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival that is in the Windy City until May 6, 2018.

The festival is an exhibit that tours throughout the United States.  The lanterns are custom built for each venue on site by Chinese artisans.  According to the event's website, the exhibit in Chicago features 39 larger-than-life illuminated displays.  After the festival concludes its stay in the Windy City, the lanterns will be disassembled by the artisans and technicians and then packed and moved to the next venue where they will be refreshed and rebuilt.

As R and I walked among the brightly lit, colorful lanterns in the below freezing temperatures, I was completely in awe of the beauty and brilliance of the figures. It is hands down one of the coolest things I've seen and I definitely recommend seeing it in person.

IF YOU GO...

LOCATION

South Parking Lot @ Soldier Field

1410 S. Museum Campus Drive

Chicago, IL

ADMISSION

Tickets includes festival entry and viewing of all lanterns, performances, and craft demonstrations.

• Adults $20
• Children (ages 4-14) $13.00
• Seniors (60+) $13

There are also group discounts.   Please see website for details.

Tickets may be purchased in advance online, but are also sold at the gate. The last ticket is sold at 9:00pm.

HOURS

Sunday through Thursday, 5:30pm - 10:00pm

Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm - 11:00pm

The show goes on despite rain, snow, or shine, so dress accordingly.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Knoxville, TN - until April 22, 2018

Vallejo, CA - until April 29, 2018

Philadelphia, PA - May 1 through June 30, 2018 

Linking Up With:

The Weekly Postcard

&

Budget Travelers Sandbox