If you are looking for a fun and family-friendly adventure in the fall in Reno, then the Dragon Lights festival is the place for you. I was blown away by the quality and the size of the lantern displays.
It truly was a visual spectacle along the walking paths through the arboretum and park where it is held. And with a central area containing food stalls, interactive kid activities with the lanterns, a massive Chinese Dragon, and music- it was truly a great place to spend an hour or two with the family.Â
The Details
Dates:
Usually the month of October and November. Check the website for exact opening and closing days.
Opening Hours
Every evening, usually 5-6pm until 9 or 10pm. The specific hours change depending on the day so check the website.
Cost In 2025:
- $22- $25 (Age 12+), Child (Age 3-11): $16- $18
- Four Pack: $78- $86 (For any 4 people, adults must accompany kids)
- THESE ARE ONLINE PRICES WHICH ARE MUCH CHEAPER! (adult tickets were $35 if you bought one onsite)
Where:
Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden within Rancho San Rafael Park
What To Expect
There is about a mile of walking along the paths of the arboretum to see all of the lights. It took us about 40 min to see everything and we did not stop for food in the middle, nor did we stop at the interactive light playground. And we didn’t have little kids with us- I am sure we would have taken at least double the time.
I did stop and take a lot of videos and photos though as well as marvel at the intricate construction of some of the animals and dioramas. There was so much color and a lovely glow everywhere you looked. It really was a visual feast.
From the entrance, it took us maybe 10 minutes to get the central area with the large dragon, the interactive playground and the food court. The 2025 theme was an Odyssey of Waves and Woods and we walked through part of the woods section, with hundreds of lights in trees and glowing lily pads and goldfish as we walked through a Lotus Pond.
The massive Chinese Dragon in the center was truly magnificent. And we had fun identifying which of the Twelve Signs of the Chinese Zodiac corresponded to our birth year. Kids were having a blast on the light-up swings and the dance floor that changed colors on each square.
As we walked to the back half, the underwater part of the this year’s theme, I marveled at the tunnels of lanterns that changed colors. This may have been my favorite thing.
There are signs for each of the installations, explaining its significance to either the theme or Chinese culture. Or both. I just enjoyed the pretty lights.
Other Important Info
Parking was free and they had several lots nearby within easy walking distance. The parking lot adjacent to the entrance was reserved for ADA only but another one was very close and a large parking lot elsewhere in the park had a free shuttle running to it frequently.
We used Uber to get back and forth from the festival from the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. It was not hard to get a ride, even on a weekday. There were a few other people also waiting for rides while we were there so I think this is a popular way to get back and forth.