By Sungyeon Park
Information:
· Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 19, 2025!
· Times: 5PM to 10PM daily, last ticket sold at 9PM
· Location: Banner Island Ballpark, 404 West Fremont, Stockton
· Tickets
o Ticketmaster.com
o Adventist Health Arena box office: Mon, Wed, Fri 11AM-2PM
o Banner Island Ballpark, daily starting November 20.
I recently visited the Stockton Lantern Festival, and it
was an unforgettable evening filled with light, culture, and fun. From the
moment I arrived at the ballpark, I was overwhelmed by this year’s “Magic
Ocean” theme. Each year is a new theme creating entirely new experiences;
this year, we have been transported from the Magic Forest of last year to the
Magic Ocean!
Stunning Lantern Displays
The highlight of the festival was, without a doubt, the
stunning lantern displays. Each lantern is a masterpiece, showcasing artistic
details and vibrant colors. Featuring glowing jellyfish, whales, and vibrant
coral reefs, each display was meticulously handcrafted by lantern artisans
using the ancient technique of traditional Chinese lantern making. Also, some
of them were moving and speaking!
Fun for Everyone
The festival offered something for everyone. While I
walked through the lanterns, I was dazzled by the magical interplay of light
and shadow. The interactive lanterns and activities provide quality
entertainment for families with children, but the hand crafted lanterns also create
an amazing and romantic atmosphere perfect for a date night! I think this
festival is a great option for anybody who wants to make a day special.
Captivating Performances
Another standout feature was the live stage
performances. Traditional Chinese dances, accompanied by stunning costumes and
music, created a special performance that was fun to experience. The energy and
skill of the performers made the show a highlight of the evening. There will be
performances throughout the two-month run of the festival showcasing a vibrant
mix of music, dance, and acrobatics.
Food and Souvenirs to Remember
Of course, no festival is complete without delicious
food, and the Stockton Lantern Festival delivers in the best way. They have
traditional winter offerings like hot chocolate, as well as ocean-themed fare, including
Sand Dollar Cookies, Fishbowl Cocktails, and Fish & Chips. They also offer
unique, hand-crafted souvenirs which I recommend to preserve special memories
of your visit!
As Jason Perry, General Manager of ASM Global – Stockton
shared, the “Stockton Lantern Festival is fun for all persons, regardless of
age and is an experience that will allow you to return again, seeing it through
a different perspective each time you walk the baseball field. Come
celebrate the winter season at Stockton Lantern Festival while you create
cherished memories and new traditions with your friends and family.”
The Stockton Lantern Festival was a magical experience,
perfect for families, friends, and couples. If you’re looking for a night to
remember, I highly recommend visiting. There are plenty of days left before the
lantern display leaves Downtown Stockton on January 20th, so don’t
miss your chance to experience this highlight of the holiday season!