Our family recently had the opportunity to visit Dragon Lights Reno. What an incredible evening we had! This annual festival transforms the Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park into a light-filled work of art. We braved the cold and walked among stunning lantern displays, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities for all ages. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip to Reno, Nevada, this unique celebration is one you’ll want to add to your family’s bucket list. But hurry, because this year’s event ends on November 30! Our family partnered with Dragon Lights Reno to share our experience with you. All opinions are my own.
what is Dragon Lights Reno?
Dragon Lights Reno is an outdoor cultural festival showcasing the ancient Chinese art of lantern-making. This year Dragon Lights Reno is celebrating the Year of the Dragon and the winter season! Originally known as the Dragon Lights Reno Chinese Lantern Festival, this event debuted in the summer of 2018. This unique event highlights the rich traditions of Chinese craftsmanship while incorporating modern themes and designs. Skilled artisans create massive illuminated sculptures using materials like silk, steel, and LED lights. These larger-than-life displays often depict animals, mythical creatures, and scenes from nature. Our children loved walking through the displays and taking it all in!
tips for attending Dragon Lights Reno
To make your visit to Dragon Lights Reno truly memorable, consider these tips:
1. Purchase Tickets in Advance
Save time and skip the lines by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. Advance tickets are also discounted, so you can save some money while avoiding the hassle of waiting in line. Ticket sales at the festival may close early if tickets sell out for the evening.
2. Schedule an Early Entrance
The festival can get crowded, especially on weekends. Tickets are available for specific entrance times and you can then stay as long as you like. Scheduling an early entrance not only ensures convenient parking but also gives you time to explore the lantern displays before it gets too busy. Plus, the best lighting for pictures will be at dusk, right at the start time.
3. Dress Warmly
Fall evenings in Reno can be chilly, so plan accordingly. Wear layers, and bring gloves and hats to keep everyone in your family comfortable. If you have a little one in a stroller or wagon make sure to bring some blankets for them to snuggle with!
4. Wear Comfortable Shoes
The festival grounds cover a large area, so be prepared for plenty of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you have little ones who might need to be carried along the way. Wear shoes that will help your feet stay warm too so you can stroll in comfort.
5. Plan for Photos
As we found out, the illuminated lanterns create incredible photo opportunities. So bring a camera or make sure your smartphone is fully charged. As previously mentioned, arrive at dusk for shots with better natural light. Once your pictures are taken in the earlier evening, switch to some videos to capture the experience fully!
6. Check Out On-Site Food
If you or your crew are feeling a little hungry or thirsty you can enjoy some of the food options at the Lantern Food Court that features local food truck vendors. They accept both cash and card so you’ll be able to go back for as many hot chocolates as your family requires–ask me how I know.
7. Take your Time
I’ve noticed that sometimes with kids it’s easy to rush through experiences because they’re so excited to see the next thing. Try and take you time and enjoy all the interactive experiences that Dragon Lights Reno has to offer! Personally, we check out the interactive playground, then walked through all the displays, then headed back to the playground to relax with some hot chocolate and treats so we could soak it all in.
| Read: Things to do in Reno with Kids |
General Information
Here’s what you need to know about attending Dragon Lights Reno:
Location:
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503
Dragon Lights Reno 2024 Schedule:
September 27 – November 30, 2024
5:00PM – 9:30PM Sunday – Thursday
5:00PM – 10:00PM Friday & Saturday
Cost to attend: Adults: $20–$25 Children (ages 3–12): $12–$15 Children under 3: Free
Parking Details:
Free on-site parking is available at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Arrive early to secure a spot, as it can fill up quickly during peak times.
- Lot A – The Wilbur D. May Center parking lot is available for ADA parking ONLY.
- Lot B – Close-up parking is available for all visitors at the regular arboretum parking lot.
- Lot C – More onsite parking is available at the west end of Rancho San Rafael Park. The trail to walk from this parking lot to the event entrance is about 0.5mile. Free shuttle service will be provided between Lot C and the entrance Friday and Saturday between 4:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Shuttle runs every 15 minutes.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
As a family travel blogger and mom of seven, I love when I can find experiences that combine fun with educational opportunities and cultural enrichment–this is just such an experience. The larger-than-life lanterns capture the attention of children and adults alike. Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival encourages learning, exploration, and creativity. I truly feel like this family-friendly festival is a must-see for those in the Reno area and beyond. Not going to be able to make it to Dragon Lights Reno 2024? No worries, just pencil it in for next year. I know that my kids already can’t wait.
Have you ever been to Dragon Lights Reno?
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