• More than 257,000 tickets were sold for the event

• From 50 U.S. states and 6 foreign countries

Cary, NC (February 25, 2025)—The numbers are in, and what they show is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival continues to provide a vibrant boost to the local economy. This year more than 257,000 tickets were sold to the festival which generated more than $10 million in direct economic impact according to figures released by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh). For the ninth year, Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre was home to the eight-week event which was open daily from November 16, 2024 - January 12, 2025. The festival hosted 23 sold out nights during the run.

“The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival keeps growing, and we’re proud that so many experience Cary through this remarkable tradition,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “For 25 years, Koka Booth Amphitheatre has been the perfect setting—nestled among the pines, overlooking the lake, and bringing people together as performances come alive. There’s no better place for an event that lights up our community and welcomes the world. We can’t wait to see what Tianyu has planned for the festival’s 10th anniversary.”

The $10.62 million generated by the festival this year is up from $8.09 million last year. It is important to note this number is a conservative estimate and does not include spending from local Wake County attendees, nor does it include a multiplier of indirect or induced impacts. It represents tourism economic impact only, which is new money coming into the local economy. The direct local tax revenue from visitor spending was $470,440 with an estimated 153,751 visiting from outside Wake 
County.

Over the eight weeks, visitors came out nightly to see the new collection of magnificently crafted lanterns, each one comprised of meticulously fused metal and hand-painted silks, illuminated from within, by thousands of LED lights. 

"We enjoy partnering with the Cary community and Booth Amphitheatre to create a festival experience that has become a North Carolina tradition," said Ai Luo, vice president, Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. "Of the many festivals we produced in the U.S. over the past year, the N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival had the highest attendance. We are grateful for this wonderful support and excited to return again in November with all-new lantern displays and performances designed to amaze visitors."

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for its tenth year with all new lanterns in November.
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About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers and performing arts venues. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. asmglobal.com.

About Tianyu Arts & Culture
Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. is renowned worldwide for creating entertaining lanterns and light festivals. The company produces these beautiful light displays, festivals and exhibits in zoos, botanical gardens, fairgrounds and public spaces in U.S. cities and abroad. Tianyu Arts & Culture is the Chicago-based American subsidiary of international design and manufacturing company Sichuan Tianyu, headquartered in the lantern-making capital of the world, Zigong, China. 

About Cary, North Carolina
With excellence and innovation in its DNA, Cary is a thriving community of over 190,000 people representing more than 60 nationalities at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle region. Cary consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live, work, have fun, and do business in the United States. Known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive network of bike-friendly parks and greenways, environment stewardship, robust business climate, and premier sports venues, Cary remains a place of inspiration and opportunity. With a “people first” philosophy, this local government values collaboration, experimentation, learning, and adaption, making Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors.