The apple picking season might be ending, but one orchard in Connecticut is preparing something special for the winter.Starting Friday, Nov. 15, Middlefield's Lyman Orchards will be transformed into the Winter Lantern Festival, lighting the many acres of farmland with the glow of over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns.Hosted by Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group, the lantern festival aims to “p...
The apple picking season might be ending, but one orchard in Connecticut is preparing something special for the winter.
Starting Friday, Nov. 15, Middlefield's Lyman Orchards will be transformed into the Winter Lantern Festival, lighting the many acres of farmland with the glow of over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns.
Hosted by Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group, the lantern festival aims to “preserve cultural heritage and traditional arts" by bringing the traditional Chinese crafts to new audiences. Since the festival's start in 2018, it has expanded to many locations across the country, now landing in Connecticut for the first time.
Want to experience the beauty of the lantern festival for yourself? Here's what to know before you go.
What to expect at Lyman Orchards Winter Lantern Festival
Connecticut's Winter Lantern Festival is an outdoor immersive walkthrough experience that takes about 45 minutes to complete.
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The path is lined with over 1,000 lanterns made by experienced artisans with traditional Chinese silk cloth and intricate paint jobs. Designs of the lanterns include mermaids, dragons, flowers and birds. Together, these lanterns create a dazzling show inspired by Chinese mythology, legends and the zodiac.
When guests finish the walk, they will be greeted by a family-friendly area with games, gifts, cultural heritage booths, a dinosaur-themed ride and live entertainment. A variety of food and drink will be available for sale each night, featuring Lyman Orchards' house-made apple cider donuts, hot apple cider and hot cocoa.
Tickets to the Winter Lantern Festival
When bought online, tickets cost $26.99 for adults, $16.99 for children 4-12 and $21.99 for seniors, military or students. Tickets at the door are $30 for adults or $20 for children. Saturdays cost an additional $1 per ticket.
The festival recommends reserving tickets for a specific date and time slot by purchasing online. Changes to online ticket reservations are allowed two hours in advance. Buying tickets in-person is likely to cause longer wait times.
Winter weather:NOAA's 2024-25 winter forecast is here. Maps show what to expect in Connecticut
When and where to see the lanterns
The Winter Lantern Festival will be open on Friday-Sunday from Nov. 15, 2024 through Feb. 9, 2025. Hours are 5-9:30 p.m. with last entry at 8:30 p.m., weather dependent. Extended hours will happen on holiday nights, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Lyman Orchards is located at 72 Lyman Road in Middlefield, CT.