Lanterns symbolize joy, merit, good luck, and brightness in the upcoming year, and this “light” is well-evident as you wander through Illuminate’s maze of beautifully-lit sculptures, scaling more than 20 feet tall. The walk-through encompasses 3 themed exhibits, all custom-designed and handcrafted in Chengdu, China then shipped by truck, train and boat for a voyage of 35 days to our corner of the world. Visitors can experience the rich culture of Ancient China with a stroll through the Forbidden City, where they will be greeted by the emperor and his Terracotta Warriors, and pass through the belly of a whale for a glistening look at life Under the Sea. The last stop en route is one that certainly couldn’t be left out of a holiday light show: Christmas Village!
But that’s not all! Prepare to be awed by the dazzling performances of the Beijing Acrobats. In addition to the lantern walk-through, a ticket to Illuminate will gain visitors access to the Beijing Acrobat Show, an authentic showcase of traditional acts. The enclosed performance tent seats over 500 guests on a first-come, first-serve basis, but with 4 shows nightly and two entirely different performances to see, no matter what time of night you attend you are sure to see something special.
International food and artisan vendors will be available to offer some of the best cultural fare and gifts at the covered Global Pavilion. Come hungry, and make a dent in your holiday shopping list! Illuminate is a true holiday delight for the whole family. Open almost nightly from November 21 through January 1, the big white tent and soaring lantern sculptures can already be seen altering the Sugarloaf Mills skyline from its parking lot location near Neiman Marcus and Ross. Tickets are on sale now at IlluminateGeorgia.com.
So what are you waiting for? Experience the Season of Lights at Illuminate!
More information at illuminategeorgia.com. Follow along as we continue to build our set on Facebook (@illuminatega) and Instagram (@illuminate_ga)!
DATE & TIME
Wednesdays through Sundays from November 21st through January 1st
5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Also open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day
LOCATION
Sugarloaf Mills Mall (Parking Lot)
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043
Illuminate is in the lot on the Ross/Neiman Marcus side of the mall, opposite of the side with Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
ADMISSION
Includes lantern walk-through exhibits (3 themed areas), acrobat show and global food and artisan pavilion access.
Adults $22.95
Youth (4-12) $16.95
Children 3 and under FREE
Military Discount 10% off at the gate with ID
Season Pass $34.95/person
ACROBAT SCHEDULE
Every night, there will be 4 shows performed by the Beijing Acrobats. There are 2 different acts, and each lasts 30 minutes. The show is opened by about 15 minutes of varied cultural performances.
6:00 p.m. ACT A
7:00 p.m. ACT B
8:00 p.m. ACT A
9:00 p.m. ACT B
The covered tent holds 500+ seats, and seating is first-come, first-serve. You do not have to attend a specific show time, and you can attend more than one.
INDOOR or OUTDOOR?
While the walk-through lantern exhibits are completely outside, the 500+ seat acrobat tent is an enclosed and covered space. The global food and artisan area is also in a covered pavilion. All is in the Sugarloaf Mills parking lot, however, and it is winter—so dress warm!
PETS & ADA
The festival is held in the parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills, and therefore on a relatively flat, single-level asphalt surface conducive to wheelchairs, strollers, and other rolled assistance. There is also available seating in the acrobat tent and food pavilion that can break up walking periods, but as a “walk”-through exhibit we do recommend those needing assistance by use of crutches or walker plan ahead to bring a rolled method of assistance or seated walker to ensure the highest level of comfort while at the festival.
Only certified service animals are permitted on the premises of the festival.
VENDORS/SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS
If you are interested in participating in Illuminate Georgia as a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, please email info@theilluminatefest.com to receive information and applications.
