Chinese Lantern Festival

Magic spun from silk and wire, the Chinese Lantern Festival held in Toronto, Canada, offers couples an unusually romantic way to spend an evening. Held outdoors on the grounds of Ontario Place, the festival's 40 elaborately designed lanterns are works of art that depict Chinese signs, symbols, legends, and history.

The Chinese Lanterns are displayed along a winding path, parts of which edge Lake Ontario's beach. Enhancing the mood, Chinese music plays from loudspeakers. Although most of the lanterns are on terra firma, some of the more dramatic ones float on ponds and have geysers spraying water that add to the drama.

In addition to the lanterns, the festival also features an authentic teahouse; craft market; vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs; lessons in lantern-making, and entertainment.

These Chinese Lantern Festival images were made at the 2007 event, held from July 19 through October 7. This was the second annual Chinese Lantern Festival in Toronto.