Tianyu Arts & Culture Returns to North Texas with Larger-Than-Life Lantern Festival

GRAND PRAIRIE (KDAF) — Back by popular demand for a second holiday season in North Texas, the Tianyu Lights Festival will transform the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre into a glowing wonderland of art, culture, and family fun. Visitors can explore two dazzling themed displays straight from 7-year-old boy, Koda’s imagination. Starlit Farm captures the peaceful beauty of summer nights in the countryside, while Magic Ocean dives deep into an illuminated undersea world of reefs and dreamlike creatures.

Each evening, live cultural performances add to the magic, featuring the dramatic mask-changing art of Face Changing (Bianlian), breathtaking acrobatics, and the graceful Peacock Dance. Shows are scheduled at 6:45, 7:50, and 9:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Guests are invited to shop, snack, and stroll through the festival grounds. The marketplace showcases handcrafted treasures like traditional Chinese lanterns and intricate inner-bottle paintings, while the food court offers hot drinks, sweet treats, and meals from both local and traveling vendors.

Families will especially enjoy the illuminated playground with interactive displays and photo-ready backdrops. New this year, kids can hop aboard glowing Magic Rides (available until 9:00 p.m. for a separate fee).

This year’s festival features 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted from metal, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. With twinkling displays, rich cultural traditions, and activities for all ages, the Tianyu Lights Festival is sure to become a holiday tradition for neighbors and families across North Texas.

The Tianyu Lights Festival runs November 7, 2025, through January 18, 2026, open Tuesdays–Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m., and will be shining bright through all the major winter holidays.

Tickets range from $16 to $35 and go on sale October 8.  Visitors can take advantage of special discounts:

• Early Bird (Oct. 8– Nov.5): 15% off General Admission & Child Tickets

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or becoming a food vendor, visit tianyuculture.us/dallas.