The Arkansas State Fairgrounds are going to be lit up again from Dec. 8 - Jan. 14, 2018. But this time, it won't be from all the midway rides.

The Chinese Lantern Festival will be in town for over a month, with more than 30 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring more than 1,000 LED light components. Each display is built onsite by dozens of Chinese artisans who travel across the world to keep this centuries old tradition alive. 

In Chinese tradition, lanterns and lampions are lit on the 15th day of of the first Chinese calendar month to pray for a good harvest. Chinese lantern festivals are still held each year and families go out to watch the beautiful lanterns and light ornaments, crafted by Chinese artisans. Each light object tells a legend, or symbolizes an ancient Chinese folktale.

In addition to the light displays, the festival will feature stage performances by Chinese acrobats and Chinese folk art demonstrations. There will also be various children's activities and food and drinks available. 

Tickets for the Chinese Lantern Festival are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-17 and free for children under 5. A family four pack (two adults and two children) is available for $40. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

The festival will be open nightly from Dec. 8 - Jan. 14, 2018 from 5:30-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday each week, there will be stage performances at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. with additional shows at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit the festival's Facebook page for updates as the event approaches.