The illuminating New York City event has come to Long Island again this year. The Chinese-inspired vibrant winter lantern installations, all with different themes and experiences for the whole family, are now open for visitors throughout the 2022 holiday season. Long Islanders can catch this impressive display at Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn and the Smithtown Historical Society in Smithtown.

 

The Winter Lantern Festival will feature thousands of handmade Chinese lanterns created by over one hundred artists, illuminated by LED lights that can reach up to 30 feet high.

 

Photo: Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group.

 

“Lantern festivals have been a part of Chinese culture and history for thousands of years, honoring our ancestors and celebrating peace, prosperity, and good fortune,” said Haokun Liu, Partner of Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group, who put on the festival.

He said that the lantern festival started in New York City, which was a huge success.

 

“We started the first NYC Winter Lantern Festival in 2018 on Staten Island,” Liu told LongIsland.com. “It was the first official Chinese Lantern Festival in NYC with 150,000 attendees. It's been selected as one of three biggest winter events in New York City by NYC & Company.”

 

Because of the popularity of the drive-through event in Nassau County last year, the organizers decided to add an additional event in Suffolk.

 

“We hosted a drive-through lantern fest at Nassau County Museum of Art last year,” said Liu. “With its popularity and success on Long Island, we wanted to expand and are excited to debut at Smithtown Historical Society as well.”

 

He said that the team at Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group designs the lanterns themselves.

 

“We worked with many creative designers and also listened to feedback from our fans and followers for the design inspiration as well,” Liu said. “Every year we change 100% of the lanterns and each location’s theme.”

 

Photo: Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group.

 

See below for the Long Island Winter Lantern Festival event info:

 

“Nassau Drive-Thru Adventure” at Nassau County Museum of Art, located at One Museum Dr. in Roslyn – Available from November 3, 2022, to January 15, 2023, this is the only immersive drive-through experience with illuminated tunnels and Chinese lanterns inspired by outer space. Visitors will move between planets, rockets, astronauts and more. From October 21 to January 15, hours are Thursdays to Sundays 5 pm to 8:30 pm. From December 23, 2022, to January 1, 2023, hours are daily from 5-8:30 pm. $50 plus service fee per vehicle.

 

“Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival” at Smithtown Historical Society, located at 239 East Main Street in Smithtown – Available from November 4, 2022, to January 8, 2023, this is the first show in Suffolk by the NYC Winter Lantern Festival which will transform Smithtown into a magical light display featuring flowers, animals, and much more. Hours are Friday to Sundays 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. $22 for adults and $12 for kids with FREE parking available.

 

Tickets are available now on their website.