Chinese lanterns appear in downtown Cary

Giant elephants, tigers and red pandas are taking over downtown Cary.

Although the beloved NC Chinese Lantern Festival was canceled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, organizers have found a way to keep the magic alive.

Over the weekend, lanterns from the festival have appeared in various spots around downtown Cary. Excited locals began posting photos of the lanterns on social media – many people were surprised and delighted by the unexpected appearance of the lanterns.

"In order to keep the magic alive, organizers have arranged to bring in several lanterns that will be prominently displayed in downtown Cary this holiday season for people to enjoy," reads the website.

Signs near the displays read, "We hope you enjoy the lantern display courtesy of the NC Chinese Lantern Festival, which will return to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in November, 2021.

In the meantime, downtown Cary is overflowing with holiday displays. The 'Letters to Santa' mailbox is up in Downtown Park, and trees decorated by local families and organizations dot the downtown streets.

There are elephants, tigers, eagles, red pandas, snakes, a rhino, a bear and a panther – and there may be others. How many can you find?