Let Your Light Shine
Experience exquisite lanterns in Maplewood, MN! Featuring Chinese acrobats, tasty bites, photo ops, and fun for everyone!
Experience the Magic of Illuminate Festival
Exquisite Handcrafted Lanterns
Each lantern begins as a vision on paper, then takes shape as a skilled artisan carefully welds metal rods to create a precise 3D framework, ultimately transforming it into an exquisite work of art that will be showcased.
Chinese Acrobat Shows
We're thrilled to announce the lineup for the Illuminate Festival, a highlight of the lantern festival in Maplewood! The festival will feature headlining Chinese Acrobat shows daily along with a few remarkable performances by local artists and groups!
Red Lantern Night Market
Red Lantern Night Market
Red Lantern Night Market
Save your spot at the Red Lantern Night Market! This night market showcases local businesses selling their crafts, allowing you access to unique and beautiful gifts, meant to be taken home by you.
Kid's Play Zone
Red Lantern Night Market
Red Lantern Night Market
Bring the little ones to the ultimate fun spot! Our Kids Play Zone is adorned with bounce houses, interactive games, and claw machines. This area is all about high-energy fun and safe play. Don’t miss the giggles, the games, and the giant inflatable adventures.
History of Chinese Lanterns-Discover the Magic
Chinese lanterns have illuminated history for over 2,000 years, first appearing during the Eastern Han Dynasty as basic lights made of paper or silk over bamboo frames. They soon took on symbolic meaning, especially during the Lantern Festival, representing light, unity, and hope. Over centuries, lantern-making became a cherished art form, with intricate designs shaped like animals, flowers, and mythological scenes, often carrying wishes for joy and prosperity. Today, these glowing creations continue to shine as symbols of celebration seen in festivals and cultural events all around the world.
History of Illuminate- Born from Love and Loss
Illuminate began in Georgia, sparked by La and Donny after the devastating loss of their second daughter, Serafina, who passed just two months after her birth on December 30, 2015.
In their grief, they mourned the milestones they would never see: her first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, and first birthday. Searching for a way to honor her memory, they found it in light.
From that longing, Illuminate was born: a tribute to Serafina’s spirit, transforming heartbreak into beauty and creating a beacon of joy, wonder, and togetherness to share with the world.
What started as one family’s personal tribute has since grown into a breathtaking tradition, bringing comfort and inspiration to thousands of families each year.
And now, for the very first time, Serafina’s light has journeyed north: Illuminate is coming to Minnesota this fall and winter.