Thursday, December 22: It’s time to get into the holiday spirit, so I go with a friend to visit the Chinese Lantern Festival at Roer’s Zoofari in Vienna, VA. Not only does the display get me into the holiday spirit, but it also makes me nostalgic for Asia, where I saw a phenomenal lantern festival in Seoul, South Korea at the Cheonggye-cheon Stream Lantern festival.
Here, we find 40 sets of over 800 hand-crafted lanterns made by a master of the craft in Zigong, China, the center of China’s lantern tradition.
The 2016 lanterns highlight ‘The Wild,’ including lanterns in the form of animals from around the world, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, America and more.
Here is an whimsical display of jellyfish, reflecting beautifully in the pond.
Click on any of the photos below for a full-sized slide show.
We come across a group of lizards which seem out of place in cold Virginia.
I wish you all joy, delight, adventure, and LOVE during the holiday season and in 2017.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or just happy winter solstice! Whatever or however you celebrate, I hope you’re surrounded by family, friends, and positive vibes. Love and hugs to all of you!! 🙂
nomad, interrupted 
Pretty detailed work on the animals! It might be fun to have just the praying mantis on the lawn… 😉 Have a good holiday, and let’s hope 2017 improves on 2016.
Fantastic! Christmas wishes to you too.
Wow those handcrafted lanterns are spectacular!
Happy and positive vibes to you too….. I like that!
Peta
What a beautiful display. Happy Christmas to you and your family, Cathy.
You made it! And it’s beautiful 🙂 Love the moose, and rhinos. Merry joyful Christmas, Cathy!
Let the lights shine, in our hearts, and all over the world!
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours,
Pit
Lovely message and incredible photos!!!!!! Merry Christmas to you and family!!!
Glad you made it – the photos are lovely. Look forward to seeing where you get to next year. 🙂