From the parking lot of the Stockton Ballpark, colorful interchanging lights could be spotted Monday in preparation for the Stockton Lantern Festival set to open Friday.
Until Jan. 14, the ballpark’s field will set aside any of its gameplay for the first of its kind “Koda’s Journey to the Magic Forest” festival.
The event is produced by ASM Global, which is an entertainment management company that brings events to arenas and other venues throughout the country.
Upon reaching the expanse of the field, visitors are able to follow in the footsteps of eight-year-old Koda’s adventure into the woods of Caballococha, Peru, according to the event’s website.
People can either first play on the seesaws and swings or embark through the different parts of the forest such as bamboo, nine-tail fox, spider, or dragon areas.
Makena Salazar, 5, runs across a floor of lights during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Janelle Salazar plays on a seesaw during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Janelle Salazar (right) Danes with her daughter Callie Salazar, 3, during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
The Nine-Tail Fox lantern during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
The Dragon’s Nest during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Giant Peacock lanterns during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)
In one section of the event, visitors walk through a garden filled with trees and flowers as if they were walking through a lit-up forest, and at the end of the area, adventurers can spot a tunnel bridge with a large owl sitting above.
The Magic Forest at Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
A giant owl in the Magic Forest during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)
From the outside of the tunnel, it appears that yellow flowers and splashes of neon paint are circling around, but once making entry, the clear bridge gives an optical illusion that the beautiful colored tunnel is spinning around.
“All the larger-than-life art installations are handcrafted by lantern artisans employing the technique of traditional Chinese lantern making which enjoys a history of over 2000 years,” states the event website. “Tens and thousands of LED lights, metal and fabric in vibrant colors are used to create unforgettable winter night lights experience.”
While people walk through the event looking at the different creations and plants, live stage performances of music, dance and acrobats will take place.
Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) Giant Peacock lanterns during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
The Butter Garden during Stockton Lantern Festival Preview Night at Banner Island Ballpark in Lodi, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)
Ticket prices begin at $19 for ages 2-12 and increase to $23 for anyone 13 or older.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Stockton Live’s website.
Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. She is a Report for America corps member.
