The Lights Festival is a wonderful event where people come together to enjoy an uplifting and unforgettable experience. Imagine the sky aglow with thousands of lanterns!
This is an event I have wanted to attend for some time. My husband and I just experienced the NY/NJ/PA-area Lights Festival in Pennsylvania so I wanted to share everything you need to know if you decide to attend a lights festival too.
Buying Your Tickets
Ticket prices range from $25 to $60. Each ticket holder receives a packet containing a lantern and a marker. Children under the age of 3 are free but you will only receive a lantern if you are 13 years and older.
TIP: Buy your tickets in advance! I purchased my $25 tickets during last year’s holiday pre-sale! The tickets were redeemable at any 2019 Lights Fest in my area. Be on the lookout for this presale and check the schedule when it is released early in the following year.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The lanterns are made of rice paper, bamboo, and string and are 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. They are especially designed to travel no more than one mile from launch. A large cleanup crew retrieves all lanterns and any that may be missed are supposed to disintegrate.
The body of the lantern is fire-resistant and a fire crew was visibly nearby. All launches take place at nightfall and require a fire marshal’s approval. If they need to cancel the event, their policy states that they will return to the city within three months of the original date. If a make-up date is not scheduled within 90 days of the original event date, refunds will be offered.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol and pets, other than service animals, are also not allowed.
What To Bring to the Lights Fest
Food trucks are available and local musicians performed on stage. Vendors and Lights Festival merchandise are also sold. While the doors opened at 2:30 pm, we decided to arrive later in the evening, around 5:30 pm.
I packed some snacks and hot coffee along with a blanket so we can enjoy our own little picnic. Many young families attended the event and it was nice to sit back and watch all the young children running around and having fun.
Since the launch does not take place until nightfall, it’s important to pack well. It also gets colder as the night goes on so be sure to dress appropriately Here is a list of items you should definitely consider bringing:
- Chairs
- Blankets
- Hats, gloves, scarves, rain gear, etc.
- Snacks
- Thermos with a hot beverage
- Bottled Water
- Flashlight and tissues for portable toilets
- Hand Sanitizer
- Camera
TIP: You can purchase an inflatable chair at the festival for $40. We actually forgot to pack our chairs so we decided to buy one. It was super comfortable and reusable so we did mind the extra cost.
Tips For Enjoying The Lights Festival
TIP: Write a message on your lantern.
Use the provided marker to write a personal message or sentiment that you want to put out into the universe when you release your lantern. Here are some ideas:
- Honor someone
- Celebrate an occasion
- Let go of the past
- Forgive someone
- Ask for spiritual guidance
- Make a wish or set a goal
TIP: Do not light the lantern before everyone else.
The magic happens when all of the lanterns are released into the sky around the same time. Don’t be one of those people who ruin it for everyone else!
TIP: Pay attention to these additionalo notes
- The event organizers light the tiki torches that are located around the venue. You need to use these flames to light your lantern. We did not know this so we had to walk away from our spot to light our lanterns. You may want to consider parking yourself nearer to a torch or bring your own lighter.
- Keep the area clean by throwing out your trash in the provided receptacles.
- There are plenty of portable toilets available.
- Try to leave as early as possible as it will be difficult to get to your parked car and exit with so many attendees.
TIP: Be fully present
This is the most important tip of all. Of course, we want to capture the moment on photo or video but try to refrain until you actually had the chance to soak it all in. Release your lantern. Look up into the sky. Enjoy the moment! Once you savored it, then take your photo. I promise you will have enough time.
I cannot recommend enough attending a Lights Festival at least once in your life. It was truly a magical experience! Check out The Lights Fest website for an event near you.
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