Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival

As I walked over the bridge and into the Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival I was transported into a dream. It was a bright and colorful breathtaking dream that I never wanted to end. A smile instantly formed on my face. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. Beautiful creatures illuminated the sky. The atmosphere was electric. You are probably asking what exactly the Chinese Lantern Festival is. It is an outdoor walking experience that allows the whole family to explore the Chinese culture. The handmade Chinese lanterns are made by Chinese artisans who travel the world. They are illuminated by more than 10,000 LED lights. It is something you have to see in person to truly appreciate the magnificence of these beautiful pieces of art. A visitor favorite is the 200 foot long Chinese Dragon. The size of this lantern is enormous. I personally loved the underwater scene. It was simply magical. Next to every lantern there is an explanation and more information about it. I really enjoyed reading about each piece and understanding more about the significance to the Chinese culture. 200 foot long Chinese Dragon In addition to the lanterns there is a live show every night. Beautiful dancers adorned the stage and did traditional dances for the on looking crowd. My boys were particularly entertained by the contortionist. He played a panda bear and it was a very playful and fun performance. The shows are meant to give you a deeper look into this fascinating culture. If you are looking to do some shopping for unique items the Chinese Market is a great spot. We actually picked up a few trinkets. One of the artisans does inner bottle painting. He uses a special tool and actually paints inside the glass. It was so neat to watch him work. The talent these artisans have is second to none. The festival is running from now until January 7th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It is also open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Do not let the cold deter you. There are a couple of heated spots throughout the festival where you can warm up. I went on the coldest night to date and I was so mesmerized by the lanterns that I did not even notice. The Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival now forever holds a place in my memories. My whole family had a wonderful time. It is definitely a unique experience. I enjoy introducing my children to other cultures and this festival gave me a great opportunity to do just that.To purchase tickets and for more info please visit www.indianalanternfest.com. MORE INFO: The Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival is open at the Indiana State Fair grounds now through January 7. Tickets are available now at www.indianalanternfest.com and can also be purchased throughout the event at the entrance to the Festival in Celebration Park from 5:00 – 9:30 p.m. Prices are $15 per adult, $10 per child (children five and under are free) and $12 for seniors 65+ and members of the military (with a valid ID). For groups of 15 or more, group rates are available for $13 per adult, $8 per child. Jen is a client coordinator for RE/MAX. She stays busy raising two boys, Nathan and Logan (a.k.a. “the Wilds”). She is passionate about writing and is the voice behind JVKom Chronicles. Jen enjoys healthy living and being active with her family. She also enjoys blogging and social media. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival

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Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival

Must Visit: Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival

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