Autumn Glow Festival

Head to Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction to take in the glow of more than 1000 Chinese lanterns.

What is the Autumn Glow Festival

Throughout the Mabee Farm Historic Site, more than 1000 handmade Chinese lanterns will light up the night. This whimsical walk-through experience is a unique way to enter the season. Every piece holds the story of the skilled artisan who created it making every lantern special. Combining the start of the autumnal season with the culture and craftsmanship of a traditional Chinese lantern festival makes this a beautiful celebration for all to enjoy!

Lanterns are made from small pieces of Chinese silk cloth and steel wire and are embellished with LED lights to really make them shine. Artisans displaying their work have immense experience, some of which have been mastering their craft for over 20 years!

Whimsical creatures are brought to life from fairies to seahorses to traditional Chinese dragon designs. Flowers, lizards, owls and more make an appearance as well!

Coming with the whole family? Children can enjoy the bounce house, sugar paintings and dino ride! They’ll also love the interactive light swings, see-saws and tunnels!

Light food and beverages will be available for purchase as you walk through the lit-up site.

About the Artist

The chief artist of the Autumn Glow Festival is Yu Wang. Mr. Wang is a native of Bazhong, Sichuan and grew up in a family where art was paramount. His parents are traditional cultural craftsmen of clay and sugar figurines and have exhibited their work since the 1990s at home and abroad at the Zigong Lantern Festival.

During high school and college, Mr. Wang began practicing traditional miniature carving which transformed into the expert craftsmanship he displays today. As he traveled with his parents to their lantern festivals, he began to develop a strong interest in the world of lanterns and folk cultures.

As his interest continued to develop he learned from other masters of lantern art and soon developed the craftsmanship displayed at the Autumn Glow Festival. Under his leadership, he and his team have received high international awards for their increidble work.

Tickets for the Autumn Glow Festival

The walk through this glorious festival takes about 45 minutes and walk-throughs are available from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ticket prices for the festival are as follows:

Adult: $26.99
Child (ages 4 – 12): $16.99
Senior (65+): $21.99
Student (with valid ID): $21.99
Military (with valid ID): $21.99
Group Rate (6 or more people): $17.99 per person
*group rates may vary depending on the day or time viewing chosen*

Tickets can be purchased online here.

You can also add-on a Wish Jar to take home a piece of your experiences. Wish Jars are star-shaped glass containers filled with mini fairy lights.

Take Amtrak to the Autumn Glow Festival

Attend Lightscape via Amtrak to Schenectady Station—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! Mabee Farm historic site is a quick 13-minute drive from the station!

Get picked up from Schenectady Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Syracuse office today at: (518) 374-7890.