By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lantern festival
showcases a 'Magic Queen'
festival.png

festival-1.png
The Lantern Festival is returning to the Stockton Ballpark this winter. 

The festival will take over Stockton Ballpark for 59 nights, Nov. 22 through Jan. 19. Following an auspicious first year, Stockton Lantern Festival returns with larger lanterns and a new theme for 2024-2025, Magic Ocean. 

As the sun sets, visitors will head below sea level and enter the ocean, as Magic Ocean comes alive. The Stockton Lantern Festival promises an immersive walk-through experience that will captivate travelers of all ages. The experience features a magical interplay of light and shadow as visitors explore this mystical realm. 

The Stockton Lantern Festival will once again feature live stage performances, showcasing a vibrant mix of music, dance, and acrobatics. The talents of performers are sure to transport you to a world of pure entertainment and delight.

“We are ecstatic to welcome back the return of the award-winning Stockton Lantern Festival, with a new theme,” said Jason Perry general manager, ASM Global – Stockton. “Visitors will be mesmerized by the new larger than life lanterns for this year’s Magic Ocean theme.  Each guest will be brought on an adventure, with new and interactive lanterns at each turn.”

Visitors will encounter stunning art installations, meticulously handcrafted by lantern artisans using the ancient technique of traditional Chinese lantern making. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this unique art form combines tens of thousands of LED lights, vibrant colors, and a fusion of metal and fabric to create an awe-inspiring spectacle of winter night lights.

Tickets for Magic Ocean are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com and in-person at the Stockton Arena box office.  Tickets to Magic Ocean start at $19 for children ages 2-12 and adult tickets start at $23. The Stockton Ballpark is located at 404 West Fremont, Stockton. 

Fun Facts

  • The lantern displays are designed and handcrafted by the artisan team of Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., the biggest lantern festival producer in the U.S. 
  • The festival will include more than 60 larger than life lanterns with the tallest being 50 feet and the longest nearly 100 feet.
  • Over 20,000 LED bulbs and more than 82,000 feet of light rope along with 11,500 feet of fabric were used to create the lanterns.
  • The lanterns were shipped to Stockton in 67 shipping containers, one of the largest installations in the US, and the first of its kind in a ballpark. 
  • 200 people spent 50 days in China to build the lanterns.
  • 20 people will spend 30 days on-site to assemble and set up the festival.