Imagine stepping into a dreamscape crafted with extraordinary attention to detail, where colorful lights guide you through enchanted forests, majestic dragons come to life and fairies seem to dance in the night air.
This winter, just outside the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, the Tianyu Light Festival offers an immersive experience unlike any other — a magical journey through craftsmanship, imagination and cultural storytelling. The level of detail, creativity, and artistry is truly what makes this a unique and unforgettable adventure worth the drive from Plano, Frisco or anywhere in or near Collin County.
Key Details For Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your visit to the Tianyu Light Festival, here are the essential details:
- Dates: November 8, 2024 - January 19, 2025
- Hours of Operation: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Last entry is at 9:30 PM.
- Location: Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.
- Tickets: Prices start at $20 for adults, with discounts available for children, seniors and groups. VIP tickets are available for added perks, including skip-the-line privileges. Purchase your tickets online at tianyu.com to skip the lines and ensure your preferred entry time.
- Parking: Onsite parking is available for $15 per car if purchased on site (credit card only), or $10 if purchased online in advance. Follow signs for parking upon arrival.
- Accessibility: The event is family-friendly, stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.
A Night Of Wonder And Lights
The Tianyu Light Festival runs from November 8, 2024, to January 19, 2025, transforming an otherwise familiar space into a vivid wonderland. This isn't your typical Christmas lights display—it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary, blending art, technology and culture into a one-of-a-kind festival. Guests are greeted by dazzling arches of light and sound, starting at the entrance where princesses and festive music set an energetic, welcoming tone.
On VIP preview night, we attended with our children, and from the very first moment, we were swept into enchantment by salsa music floating through the crisp evening air, setting the stage for exploration. The kids couldn’t contain their excitement as we stepped into “Koda’s Magical Adventure,” and after several hours of exploring every corner, they were already asking us, “When can we come back?”
Koda’s Adventure To The Magical Forest
The entire experience centers around Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest, an enchanting storyline that guides visitors through the festival. Young explorers are invited to join Koda as he embarks on a quest to gather memory fragments scattered throughout various installations. Each section of the festival is a chapter in Koda’s journey, blending fantasy, light and interaction in a way that keeps families engaged throughout the night.
Along Koda's adventure, there are plenty of interactive elements that make the journey extra special for children and adults alike. Imagine swinging under the wings of a giant glowing butterfly, where your movements trigger a burst of colors and music. Or picture yourself riding a glowing seesaw that lights up with every motion, creating an ever-changing pattern of colors beneath you. There’s also the magical bubble experience, where children can stand among bubbles illuminated by the dazzling festival lights, turning an ordinary moment into pure magic. And let’s not forget the hands-on games, from pedal-powered fireworks to musical installations that invite visitors to create their own tunes. These interactive touches transform the festival from something you merely observe to something you actively participate in, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Magic Forest And Twirling Tunnels
The adventure begins in the magic forest, where towering trees wrapped in pink, purple and green glow with otherworldly luminescence. As Koda ventures through this mystical environment, glowing birds, enormous luminous flowers and owls add to the ethereal atmosphere. The children’s laughter echoes as they run along the illuminated paths, chasing the light and adding to the sense of a real fairytale coming to life.
From here, Koda takes us through the twirling tunnel, a whimsical space that seems to playfully challenge perceptions. Visitors are immersed in a swirl of colors, creating the illusion of walking through a kaleidoscope — an adventure that feels whimsical and surreal, almost as if stepping into Koda’s vivid dreams. Whether you're young or young at heart, it’s an area that brings a smile and a sense of wonder.
Enchanted Installations and Cultural Immersion
Next in Koda’s journey, visitors find themselves among installations of traditional Chinese dragons and bamboo. These installations add a culturally immersive dimension to the adventure, reflecting Koda’s exploration of magical lands and faraway cultures. The grand dragons weave in and out of the glowing lights, and children reach out to touch the bamboo structures, their faces lit by the ever-changing colors.
One of the most enchanting parts of Koda’s journey is the giant butterfly installation. Standing beneath the butterfly's 20-foot wings, visitors can hop on a swing, activating the lights and music that bring the butterfly to life. As Koda swings beneath the butterfly, its wings change colors, creating an unforgettable moment of magic and interaction — a reminder that this journey is as much about what you feel as what you see.
Throughout Koda’s adventure, he encounters traditional Chinese performances, including bian lian (face changing) and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) acts. These performances offer Koda and the visitors moments to pause, learn and marvel, providing a rich cultural backdrop that makes the festival even more immersive.
Food Court And Marketplace
The food court at the Tianyu Light Festival is a bustling area filled with diverse food and drink options. The offerings range from classic comfort foods to international favorites, providing something for everyone. Indulge in Sonoran-style hot dogs, barbecue brisket and funnel cakes — perfect for those who crave hearty and traditional flavors. For dessert lovers, you can find deep-fried apples, cream puffs and cotton candy, all of which add a sweet ending to your magical journey.
The adventure also takes Koda through a marketplace where visitors can purchase handcrafted goods. This small but charming area provides an opportunity to take home a piece of the magic — unique gifts that add a personal touch to the holiday season.
Performance Schedule And Practical Details
If you’re planning to visit, make sure you time your arrival to catch one of the live performances held nightly at 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Each performance is around 30 minutes, and they are well worth planning your evening around — adding an engaging live element that enriches Koda’s adventure.
A Magical Escape for Collin County Residents
The festival is located just outside the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, and it’s about a 45-minute drive from most areas in Collin County. Paid parking is readily available, and the event is family-friendly, stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
For our readers in Collin County, the Tianyu Light Festival is an easy drive that leads to an unforgettable family adventure. It’s a way to break away from the holiday bustle and immerse yourself in an enchanting environment where every detail — from glowing dragons to shimmering mist forests — is designed to transport you to a world of wonder. This isn’t just another holiday event; it’s a chance to be part of Koda’s story, to slow down, and savor each light, sound and shared moment.
We spent hours exploring the glowing pathways, interacting with the installations, and marveling at the artistry on display. And as we left, our children were already asking when we’d be back — a testament to just how special this adventure is. Plan your visit soon — because the magic of the Tianyu Light Festival is calling, and Koda’s journey won’t be the same without you.
Now in its 10th year, the exhibit has traveled to 51 cities across the county, attracting over 10 million visitors worldwide.
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