Winter’s in the UK can get a bit dreary. The days are short and it gets dark around four o’clock. So every year to light up those jet black skies and to celebrate Chinese New Year, Chiswick House in London hosts the Magical Lantern Festival.
Lantern Festivals are an integral part of Chinese Culture. In fact, China celebrates two of these events every year. The first one is commonly known as “Chap Goh Mei” and is held on the 15th Day of the Chinese New Year. It is also the Chinese equivalent of St Valentine’s Day. The second Lantern festival is held mid-autumn and the lanterns are carried around the town or village. The biggest Lantern Festival in China is held in Quinhai in Nanjing. It is so famous it even gets a mention in an ancient Chinese novel.
The theme for the Magical Lantern Festival in 2017 was the Silk Road. The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that crisscrossed from China to Europe. The lantern sculptures, therefore, depicted various countries along the route, giving quite an international flair to the event.
Gary and I always get excited when we get to try out something new. And this was certainly different. We had a fabulous time gazing at these spectacular and intricate lantern installations. It was quite a magical experience. Now, Chiswick House is not the easiest place to get to, but I assure you it’s definitely worth taking a trip to see some of the beautiful light up installations. The cost of the entrance ticket is approximately 12.50£.
What I will say though is if you’re thinking about going, make sure to wear comfy “sensible” shoes and to wrap up warm. It was absolutely freezing when we went and although there are several stalls along the route, the evening is probably going to be a lot less magical if you can’t feel your nose, fingers or toes!
But rather than ramble on about it all (something I usually tend to do), I will simply show you a handful of the many pictures I took that night.
Will you make it to this year’s Magic Lantern Festival?
Comment below and let us know!
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This sounds pretty interesting. When I lived in London I always missed this! I should be moving back this year though so will try and go to the next one. Thanks for the inspiration. I love your beautiful photographs too.
This sounds really awesome. I just wish I was in London. I agree definitely something to help brighten those dreary winter nights.
Where do you live Lizzie? If you are ever in London between January and February you should definitely consider going to the Magical Lantern Festival. But there is so much to do in our city
Beautiful pictures Katharina and good note on footwear. I recently watched and photographed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. Fun experience but I would bring a chair or get there super early for bleacher seats in the future as my back was in major pain the following morning. Intense stuff. It helps to know how to prep for these events whether with gear we wear or gear we bring.
Ryan