Grand Prairie, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Tianyu Lights Festival is set to return to the Texas Trust CU Theatre grounds in Grand Prairie, showcasing large-scale hand-crafted lantern sculptures and live cultural performances. Running for several weeks, the festival will feature immersive displays like Starlit Farm and Magic Ocean, along with evening shows that include acrobatics and traditional dances. Family-friendly attractions, a marketplace, and diverse food options will enhance the experience for visitors. Tickets will be available soon with special discounts.
Grand Prairie, Texas
What: The Tianyu Lights Festival returns to the Texas Trust CU Theatre grounds in Grand Prairie for a multi-week lantern and cultural festival.
When: The event runs from November 7, 2025, through January 18, 2026, with ticket sales beginning October 8, 2025.
Why it matters: The festival brings large-scale hand-crafted lantern sculptures, themed immersive displays and live cultural performances to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, offering family-focused evening programming and an expanded lineup of attractions for the 2025–2026 season.
Key details
The festival is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture and will feature 19 immersive scenes formed from hand-crafted lantern sculptures. Two primary themed displays for the season are Starlit Farm, depicting a rural countryside at night, and Magic Ocean, presenting an illuminated undersea world. Live cultural performances scheduled during evening hours include Face Changing (Bianlian), acrobatics, and the Peacock Dance. Evening performance times are set at 6:45 p.m., 7:50 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., subject to weather conditions.
Dates, hours and tickets
Festival dates are November 7, 2025–January 18, 2026. Regular operating hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mondays are reserved for site preparation. Ticket prices will range from $16 to $35, with special discounts available. Tickets go on sale starting October 8, 2025. Additional charges apply for some attractions, including the festival’s new Magic Rides, which operate until 9:00 p.m.
On-site attractions and services
In addition to the lantern scenes and performances, the festival will include a marketplace offering handcrafted goods and a food court serving local and international cuisine. A family-oriented illuminated playground will be available for children. Magic Rides are offered for an additional fee and stop service at 9:00 p.m. each night.
Supporting information
The event schedule lists multiple evening performances each night, but exact performance times are weather-dependent and may be modified for safety. The festival’s design emphasizes a mix of visual art and live cultural elements, with an expressed aim to combine art, culture and conservation themes within exhibits and activities.
Organizers note that the previous season attracted families from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and this edition expands elements such as themed displays and ride options. Tianyu Arts & Culture reports having produced more than 170 festivals nationwide and indicates that over 11 million people have attended its U.S. events since the organization began staging lantern festivals.
Practical considerations for visitors
Visitors should plan evenings around the festival hours of 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. Because performances are scheduled in the evening and are weather-sensitive, attendees should expect possible adjustments to show times. Tickets will be required for entry, with tiered pricing and discounts available; certain attractions on-site may require separate payment. Families can expect vendor food options and a marketplace for handcrafted items.
Background
Lantern festivals produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture combine hand-crafted lantern art with cultural performances drawn from traditional forms. In its U.S. events, the organization emphasizes large-scale illuminated installations alongside performance art and family attractions. The festival’s stated objectives include showcasing cultural heritage and integrating conservation themes into creative displays, while providing seasonal entertainment that draws regional attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the festival held?
The festival runs from November 7, 2025, through January 18, 2026, at the Texas Trust CU Theatre grounds in Grand Prairie, Texas.
What are the daily hours?
The festival is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mondays are reserved for preparation and the site is closed to the public.
When can I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets go on sale beginning October 8, 2025. Prices range from $16 to $35, with special discounts available. Some attractions may require additional fees.
What are the main attractions this season?
The event features 19 immersive lantern scenes, including two main themed displays: Starlit Farm and Magic Ocean. Cultural performances include Face Changing (Bianlian), acrobatics, and the Peacock Dance. There is also a marketplace, food court, an illuminated playground, and Magic Rides.
Are performance times fixed?
Performance times are scheduled at 6:45 p.m., 7:50 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., but are subject to change in response to weather conditions.
Are there attractions for children?
Yes. The festival includes an illuminated playground for children and new Magic Rides that operate until 9:00 p.m. for an additional charge.
Who produces the festival?
The festival is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture, an organization that has staged over 170 festivals nationwide and reports attracting over 11 million attendees in the U.S. to date.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026 |
| Location | Texas Trust CU Theatre grounds, Grand Prairie, TX |
| Hours | Tues–Sun, 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (Mondays closed) |
| Main displays | Starlit Farm; Magic Ocean |
| Number of scenes | 19 immersive lantern scenes |
| Performances | Face Changing (Bianlian), acrobatics, Peacock Dance — shows at 6:45, 7:50, 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting) |
| Family features | Illuminated playground; Magic Rides (additional charge, until 9:00 p.m.) |
| Tickets | $16–$35; on sale Oct 8, 2025; discounts available |
| Producer | Tianyu Arts & Culture (reports 170+ festivals; 11M+ U.S. attendees) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local Profile: Tianyu Lights Festival Returns
- Wikipedia: Tianyu Lights Festival
- Travel and Tour World: Texas Welcomes Tianyu Lights Festival
- Google Search: Tianyu Lights Festival
- PR Newswire: Returns to North Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tianyu Arts & Culture
- Fox 4 News: Tianyu Lights Festival Video
- Google News: Tianyu Lights Festival Grand Prairie
- Local Profile: Winter Spectacle You Can’t Miss
- Google Scholar: Tianyu Lights Festival
- Dallas News: Tianyu Lights Festival Lights Up Dallas
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