The lights are dim, with the top of the sun barely visible across the horizon. As beautiful lanterns surround the trees, peeking out of the tall stalks of bamboo and high lengths of the pines, a soft glow illuminates the forest. Arcadia is full of Asian culture; this, along with our landmarks such as the Arboretum, are things that Arcadians take pride in. There isn’t an arboretum quite like ours. The Arcadia Moonlight Forest, taking place from now to Jan. 6, highlights the cultural aspects of Arcadia with a one-mile walk among giant lanterns. Tickets are on sale right now on the Arboretum’s website! For only $20 to $28 (depending on the date and your age), families can experience Arcadia’s beautiful Moonlight Forest!

Adorable sea creatures and cartoon characters bring a youthful aspect to the Moonlight Forest. Children will undoubtedly be entertained by these blow-ups, mesmerized by the twinkling lights and familiar faces, while teens will finally crack a smile while looking up from their phones, reminiscing their not-so-distant childhoods. Everyone has something to enjoy! There’s even a recreation of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty, along with his famous terracotta warriors, with a light illuminating them as if blasting them to the present from the past.

Winter is just around the corner, as the temperature slowly starts to drop and the gray clouds start to suffocate the once sunny, blue skies. For some, this is the bane of their existence, but for families, winter is just another reason to spend time with each other! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and not to mention the breaks that come with these holidays give some families the perfect opportunity to spend time together, so why not pass the time by viewing the beautiful lights and lanterns as the sun sets? Since school, work, and life, in general, may consume a person’s time, family is sometimes neglected. Nevertheless, families need to take this opportunity! Both children and adults will have something to enjoy!

Everything can be taken care of at this festival! Food, drinks, entertainment—all needs will be taken care of. Freshman Kinshuk Dasgupta says, “I’m incredibly excited to go to the Arcadia Moonlight Forest! Hopefully, I can convince my family and friends to go as well.”  Many Apaches are already taking advantage of this and can’t wait to get their tickets. The Arcadia Moonlight Forest captures the essence of Asian culture, drawing upon the beauty of our community, creating a momentous and joyous occasion for all.