Featured Cultures at Lanterns 2026
Immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest cultures when you visit our China vista! Sample Chinese cuisine favorites such as sesame chicken, cashew beef, and chicken lo mein, along with vegetarian egg rolls, and fried dumplings. Pair your choice of dishes with a Tsingtao beer -- and be sure to save room for a mangoccino, berrychino, or chococcino for dessert!
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Local artists will be on hand to share examples of Chinese orthography and fan painting, some of which you can buy and take home! Guests can also learn Jianzhi, the Chinese art of paper cutting, a 1500-year old form of folk art used to decorate doors and windows for luck and celebrations.​​​
HONOLULU, HI - USA
Sponsored by Middleton Heat and Air
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Located in the South Lobby and South Garden of the Cabe Theater Building
Get away to a slice of Hawaiian paradise -- no plane ticket required! Our Honolulu vista offers up a flavorful luau, with savory, sweet, and refreshing bites to explore. Sample island favorites like pulled pork sliders with pineapple slaw, Spam fried rice, pineapple upside down cake, and Kona shaved ice!
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The Honolulu vista features a full bar where visitors can get any type of drink they like, including Mai Tai cocktails for the adults and non-alcoholic Blue Hawaiian drinks (blue Koolaid) for the kids.
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Learn to Hula dance with Iris How at 7 and 8 pm each night, and enjoy Hawaiian ukulele music performed by Ethan Ezell!
EGYPT
Sponsored by The Drug Store
Located on The Green on the north side of Swan Lake, by the lakeside pathway (map)
Travel back in time to the age of the pharaohs when you explore ancient Egypt at Lanterns! Chat and get your photo taken with Cleopatra, Ramesses, or even an Egyptologist! Explore dramatic desert-inspired scenes, enjoy a treasure hunt, and experience the excitement of seeing and riding live camels.
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Visit our Camel Ride page for more details about what to expect on your ride!
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You'll enjoy a rich spread of traditional flavors, including shawarma, hummus and pita, salata baladi (fresh Egyptian cucumber and tomato salad), and baklava finished with a hint of rose water. It's a lively blend of history, spectacle, and unforgettable taste!
JAPAN
Sponsored by Gallagher Insurance
Located in the Asian Garden between the front gate and the Pavilion (map)
Centered around Wildwood's Dodi Tea House, surrounded by the Asian Garden, the Japan vista blends traditional flavors with pop culture fun.
Try the Shoyu chicken with stir-fried veggies on noodles, Japanese beef curry on sticky rice, or a light, refreshing somen salad. Sample mochi ice cream balls in 3 flavors: matcha, chocolate, and vanilla. Sip on a refreshing Origami Snow Monkey sake seltzer, or shout "Kanpai!" as you share an Asahi beer with friends.
Pose with anime characters, create your own fan, and try a temporary anime tattoo!
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ITALY
Savor the flavors of Italy and the sights and sounds of Venice as you stroll through this delicious Lanterns vista.
Milano's is bringing their famous Italian bread rolls, which you can enjoy with classics like lasagna rolls, chicken parm sandwiches, caprese skewers, and fried ravioli! Sip on Italian sodas, coffee, chianti, or prosecco as you enjoy the atmosphere. Be sure to save room for tiramisu or an affogato for dessert!
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A serenading gondolier adds a touch of old-world charm to the night, and you can even get your photo taken inside the gondola! Kids can make their own Italy postcards and DaVinci bridges.
THE LAND OF OZ ...
Meet and get your photo taken with all your favorite characters from the beloved Oz books by L. Frank Baum when you follow the yellow brick road to our Land of Oz vista! Glinda is proud to offer her special Glam Bar, where you can get glamified with a whimsical face tattoo or glittery fairy hair.
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Try the Wicked Good chicken tenders and Yellow Brick fries, or get your sweet fix from Glinda's Pink Freeze Slush and rainbow swirl lollipops.
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Our Fairy Godmother from the Fairytale Forest will also be back this year, so be sure to have a wish to share with her!
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Note: Character interactions end at 8 pm nightly.
... and the OMAHA STATE FAIR!
Located on the concrete pad west of Swan Lake, just past the theatre building (map)
Have you ever wondered what it was like for the Wizard to travel from the Omaha State Fair to Oz in his hot air balloon? Find out at this year's Lanterns Festival, where hot air balloon pilot David Hoover will be offering tethered balloon rides that take you 50 feet into the air for a spectacular view of Wildwood Park and all of this year's vistas.
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While you're waiting for your ride -- or simply admiring the glorious hot air balloon from the ground -- you can enjoy traditional state fair foods, including turkey legs, funnel cakes, and lemonade!
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Note: Balloon ride tickets must be purchased online in advance. More details coming soon!
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