There’s a magical aura that descends upon Philadelphia each year, transforming the city into a mesmerizing wonderland of lights and colors. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, a celebration of Chinese culture and artistry, brings together locals from Philadelphia as well as families from New Jersey to witness the brilliance of intricately crafted lanterns. It is quite the event to see.
The spectacular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is one of my favorite reasons to visit Philadelphia. I remember back in 2019 it was one of those events on my Philadelphia bucket list ever since I learned about it a few years ago. Every year, I meant to get there, but life always got in the way. Then, by the time I would remember the festival would be over.
Then, I received an invitation to attend the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival media preview. It was a special night for reporters, VIPs, and lantern designers to get a look at the Chinese lanterns before the festival opened to the public.
I am so glad I went to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival then. Even before the sun went down and the lights went on I walked around in awe. I’m sure I looked foolish. My mouth wide open, I was absolutely giddy. The lanterns, the different designs, all the details it was such a sight to behold. I could not take enough pictures. Each lantern was created by hand using traditional Chinese methods, some even by students the same ages as our own kids.
Then, the sun went down and the magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted sculptures lit up and everything became so much more magical. I have been back to each of their Philly festivals since then and I still feel the awe and excitement I felt on that first visit. You just have to attend with your kids.
The 2024 Festival is currently illuminating Franklin Square at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelphia from June 20 – August 31, 2024. The popular 200-foot-long dragon returns along with a never-before-seen array of 1,500 individual creations assembled into 34 enormous displays for guests to
walk among and enjoy. We know you and your kids will be wowed as much as we were.
This year we missed the press preview, but since I can’t miss this event, we got our own tickets. It was a date night for my husband and I. As a recent attendee, I am thrilled to share my experiences and share why this is a must see must do extraordinary event in Philadelphia.
Take a look at our shorter teaser video about the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival.
About the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
For centuries, the Lantern Festival has been a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar to pray for a good harvest, and gain favor of Taiyi, god of heaven. A legend tells of a god who wanted to punish the human race by setting fire to the earth. An old, wise man hit upon an ingenious solution: he got people to light torches, lanterns, and fireworks to fool the god into thinking the world was already burning, and leave mankind in peace.
In ancient times, the lanterns were fairly simple, and only the emperor and noblemen had large ornate ones. In modern times, lanterns have been embellished with many complex designs such as the ones on view at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Today, lantern festivals are still held each year around the country. Each major Chinese city has its own light festival which attract millions of visitors and tourists. – From Historic Philadelphia
Like at other Chinese Lantern Festivals, at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival each light sculpture tells a legend or symbolizes an old Chinese story.
How are the Chinese lanterns made?
The lanterns are built with steel frames welded into outlined shapes. Hundreds of LED lights are strung inside the lantern. Plain silk is wrapped and glued around each frame. The designs are hand-painted and phenomenal. At this year’s festival, visitors will see lantern animals, flowers, patterns, and other designs.
When the lights are turned on, the silk glows in the dark. It’s breathtaking! Based in Franklin Square in Historic Philadelphia, a group of Chinese artists and craftsmen build the sculptures. Guests can actually watch the creations being built in the weeks leading up to the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia.
When is the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival open?
Franklin Square is open during regular daytime hours. Between June 20 – August 31, 2024, you can see the lanterns for free and unlit until 5 pm at night. At 6 pm, the lights go on and guests with tickets can view the lanterns from 6 – 11 pm.
Where is the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?
The main entrance to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is at 6th and Race Street in Philadelphia. You can’t miss it just look for the illuminated gate.
How much does it cost to go to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?
Monday through Thursday admission prices
•$25 for adults
•$16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
•$23 for student (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets admission prices (Timed tickets required)
•$28 for adults
•$16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
•$26 for student (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)
The proceeds that Historic Philadelphia, Inc. receives from the Festival go into the operation and management of Franklin Square and its over 80 free events all year long.
Where can I park?
The recommended parking location is the PPA AutoPark at Independence Mall, located between 5th and 6th Streets and Market and Arch Streets at 41 North 6th Street, Philadelphia (directly underneath the Independence Visitor Center).
- Sunday through Thursday, parking is a flat rate of $8 (discounted rate) if guests show their Lantern Festival ticket at the garage office (located on level P1, at the exit plaza). Guests must enter the parking lot after 5 pm and exit before 3 am to receive the discount. If entry and exit time is outside of those parameters, guests must pay normal lot rates.
- Fridays and Saturdays, parking is a flat rate of $7.
- We visited on a Tuesday night and paid a $10 rate for parking.
Visit www.phillychineselanternfestival.org for further information on parking.
How can I save money going to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?
The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry).
One way to experience the Festival in the daytime for free is by exploring Franklin Square with a Lantern Scavenger Hunt. Complete the Scavenger Hunt and receive a free ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel. Pick up information at the ticket window in Franklin Square.
If visiting the Festival on the weekend, from New Jersey, use NJ Transit. On weekends and holidays 2 kids can ride NJ Transit for free with each paying adult.
Local restaurants in Chinatown are providing discounts to Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival guests
Guests MUST show their ticket to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival when dining before or after visiting the Festival. Look for the Panda Promotion poster or lantern in the window of participating restaurants.
When is the best time to go to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival with kids?
Advance tickets are strongly recommended to ensure you’ll be able to get in when you want. I’d recommend visiting during the week. You’ll avoid the crowds of the weekend and you’ll save a few dollars on each ticket.
Can we bring food to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?
We believe you can bring outside food into the festival.
Now that we’ve answered those basic questions let’s get to the WHY you should go to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival with kids.
Prepare to be delighted at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival!
Things to do at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival with kids
Look at the nearly 40 beautifully illuminated displays!
From the moment I stepped through the exquisitely designed lantern entrance at the Franklin Square grounds, I was transported into a realm of vibrant hues and exquisite craftsmanship. The lanterns, meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans from China, adorned the landscape with their radiant glow. As the sun started to set, the intricate shapes and designs lit up the night.
All of the lanterns are new for the 2024 Festival, except the majestic dragon, near the entrance, that breathes smoke. The lanterns are installed all around the seven-acre Franklin Square. Stroll with your kids under, around, and through the displays.
Palace of Heaven
This lantern display, the Palace of Heaven is just stunning. It towers over all the other lanterns at the festival. You won’t be able to miss it as you enter the first corridor. It’s even better up close. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Chinese Dragon
The giant dragon lantern is longer than three school buses and weighs 6,000 pounds. Standing 164 feet long and 21 feet high, the head was installed by a crane with a 15-person crew. There are more than 70 individual pieces that make up this one lantern.
Nine Sons of the Dragon
Legend has it that the Chinese Dragon King had nine sons, each with his own unique personality. See the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival’s interpretation of those personalities with lanterns that the wall adjacent to the Palace of Heaven.
More Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival lanterns to leave you in awe!
- Tree of Life
- Lotus Garden
- Asian Elephants
- Honeycomb
- Flamingos
- Jiangnan Courtyard
Take a seat with the animal lanterns
Beyond the Sunflower Savanna pathway are a few animal lanterns. There is a stool in front of them allowing guests to sit and take a picture with them. I chose to take a picture with the peacock.
Play the Honeycomb Game
On the outer ring of the fountain is a magnificent bee hive with lantern birds, bees, and more. To the one side is a Honeycomb Game. It was a popular activity for guests so we weren’t able to get a good look or play it ourselves.
Make a dragon dance
Tucked away against the inner perimeter is a Dancing Dragon. We saw lots of little kids turning the crank to make the dragon sway as if it was dancing in the wind or moving through a parade.
Enter a Kaleidoscope
This was another popular activity that we didn’t try, but you and the kids might love. Guests were lined up to enter a kaleidoscope. Once in colorful lights flash around you as if you were in the middle of a true kaleidoscope.
Watch artistry in motion in performances and displays
The performances on the main stage of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival are just one more way for your family to become familiar with the Chinese cultures and Chinese performing arts. Traditional music, acrobatic performances, and mesmerizing dances filled the festival’s stages, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.
Definitely, make time to watch some or all of them. That may mean you get to the Festival right at opening and stay till almost closing just to get everything in on your visit. Or we recommend multiple visits just so you can see everything. Performances are included with admission and all happen on the main stage.
A mysterious face changer, dancers, and jugglers will grace the stage at the Festival to showcase their unique skills. These performers from China will wow you with incredible and impressive feats of strength, balance, and form. Each night, there will be three 30-minute performance interspersed with fountain shows. The performers visiting from China are Meimei Chen, Xiaoli Zhao, Lirong Zhong, and Xia Liu.
The nightly schedule is as follows:
- 6, 6:30, and 7 pm – Fountain Shows
- 7:30 pm – Stage Performances
- 8 and 8:30 pm – Fountain Shows
- 9 pm – Stage Performances
- 9:30 and 10 pm – Fountain Shows
- 10:15 pm – Stage Performances
- 10:30 pm – Fountain Shows
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Stage Performances
A mysterious face changer, hula hoopers, teeter board balancers, chair hand-standers, spacewalkers, balancers, and folk dancers will grace the stage at the Festival to showcase their unique skills. These performers from China will demonstrate incredible and impressive feats of strength, balance, and form, including the famous face changer. There will be three 30-minute performances each night of the Festival interspersed with Fountain Shows.
The performers visiting from China are Jiang Kuo, Peng Changrong, Li Guohui, Zhang Jiaxu, Liu Huawei, and Liu Xiang. Performances are free with Festival.
So many exhibits have motion or lights that change
- Butterflies, bee, and bird gently flutter their wings and rock back and forth
- Flowers twinkle, release scents, and open and close.
- Dragons puff smoke.
- A sculpture in the Jianghan Courtyard blows bubbles
- Cranes move up and down.
- Star stones light up when walked on.
- Lanterns rotate to reveal intricate designs.
Make a Parrot Talk
Last year, one of the most popular lantern exhibits I got the biggest kick out of was the Parrot Talk. Here, two parrot lanterns wait for you to help them speak. Step up to one of the two tree branch speakers. Speak into it. Then, listen as the bird mimics what you said in a bird voice. And yes, if the kids laugh into the speakers the birds will laugh too. It was so much fun watching the kids get a kick out of it. Parrot Talk is back this year with new birds and a new landscape.
Walk through illuminated tunnels and gates
Lighted pathways are all around at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia. Don’t rush through them. Instead, take your time and gaze at all the details.
- Dragon and Fish Gate Entrance, at the entrance
- Giant Water Lily Walkway to the right of the stage
- Palace Lantern Corridor, as you move from the entrance to the center of Franklin Square
- Sunflower Savanna, between the carousel and mini golf
- Crane Tunnel, to the left of Squareburger.
Journey through Chinese Culture
As I strolled along the lantern-lit pathways, I discovered an immersive experience that delved deep into Chinese history and mythology. Each lantern installation tells a unique story, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into Chinese culture. I marveled at colossal displays depicting animals, mythical creatures, and iconic symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
Count the Pandas
On view are over 200 animals, 19 of them are pandas.
Pose in a Frame
Scattered among the grounds are illuminated photo ops inviting guests to come closer to take an upclose and personal picture with an animal. We found frames with dragons, birds, and a giraffe.
Determine your Sign
In the Chinese culture, there are 12 Zodiac signs based on a person’s year of birth. At the Lantern Festival, there is a row of illuminated Zodiac signs, one for each sign. Use the year on the displays to reveal which sign matches each member of your family and then read to learn more about them. We took a picture of each one that matches our family to show our boys later.
Ride the carousel
The Parx Liberty Carousel will be open during the Festival. Ages 3+ and older can ride for $3 per ride. Children 2 and under ride free.
Play mini golf
Play some mini golf at Philly Mini Golf. Putt around the only Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course, featuring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ben Franklin Bridge, Chinatown Gate, Liberty Bell, and other landmarks. The fee is $12 for adults. Children ages 3-12 pay $10.
Watch the Fountain Show at Franklin Square
The Fountain Show at Franklin Square features “Little Apple” by Chopstick Brothers, which visitors can only watch during the evening Lantern Festival. The Franklin Square Fountain Show, created in 2019 for the now 185-year-old historic Rendell Family Fountain, is a spectacular show of choreographed lights and water. Fountain jets dance magically with dramatic lighting and music as LED lights glisten.
Listen to & PLAY music
As you walk through Franklin Square, not only will you see lanterns and performances that reflect the Chinese culture, you’ll also be treated to authentic music. Stroll behind the carousel where you’ll find a lantern cow, shark, and flamingo equipped with an xylophone. A sunflower had a drum. Use these lanterns to play your own music or play along with the music streaming in Franklin Square.
Get Immersed in Chinese Culture
Free with admission, cultural interactive activities will take place in the Franklin Square Pavilion on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during the entire Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival.
- 6:30 pm – Photos with the Face Changer – Take photos with a master of the ancient and traditional Sichuan art of Face Changing, featured as one of the performances during the Lantern Festival.
- 7:15 pm – Dumpling Demonstration with Sang Kee – Hear the history of dumplings and learn how to make these delicate bite-sized treats.
- 8:15 pm – Folk Dance Lesson – Learn folk dancing from the Lantern Festival performers.
- 9 pm – Dumpling Demonstration with Sang Kee – Hear the history of dumplings and learn how to make these delicate bite-sized treats.
Eat Authentic American, Asian, or Chinese foods
If all that ooing and awing makes you hungry there are a few dining options available. After all, no festival is complete without delectable treats, and the Chinese Lantern Festival was no exception. Visitors can dine on delicious Asian food or enjoy classic comfort food at SquareBurger.
Shop for unique Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival souvenirs from Chinese folk artists
Start in the Dragon Beer Garden where Yu Xia, Yinuo Hu, and Shaojia Fang, folk arts from China are located with these crafts.
Aluminum Wire Weaving/Braiding
One of the exquisite handicrafts in China is aluminum wire weaving, a traditional craft that uses aluminum wire in a variety of colors. Artists weave the materials to create various shapes like animals, plants, and other objects. At the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern festivals you can see and purchase flowers, peacocks, and other creations made from aluminum wire weaving.
Inner-Bottle Painting
A Chinese art form where artists paint detailed elegant images and calligraphy on the inside surface of glass bottles using a specialized paint brush through the neck of the bottle. In 2008, inner-bottle painting was added to the Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Lantern Painting
Lanterns are a traditional handicraft from the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE), developed into regional styles made of bamboo, silk, paper, and other materials. With the establishment of lantern festivals and holidays, colored lanterns became more popular and now include a variety of decorative painting styles.
Want to know more? Here are some interesting details about the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia.
5 Fun Facts about the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
- Most of the lantern materials for the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square were created in China especially for this event and sent in 28 40-foot cube containers on a ship to the United States.
- The lanterns were created by over 100 people and assembled by a 30-person team of artisans from China over a one-month period in the Square.
- The lanterns are created by hand on silk fabric stretched over steel frames and then lit with over 10,000 thousand LED lights (more than ever before!).
- To make the lanterns, the artists used 19,000 square feet of silk and 164,000 feet of electric cables.
- For the Year of the Dragon, this year’s Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival has 18 separate three-dimensional dragons or dragon sculpture lanterns. In addition, more than 918 dragons line the Palace Lantern Corridor at the entrance to the Festival.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is an extraordinary celebration that brings a touch of magic to Philadelphia. With its stunning lantern displays, cultural performances, unique artwork and cultural foods, it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Last year over 130,000 visitors from all 50 states and 20 countries visited the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. This year make sure you’re one of them. You can get your tickets at www.phillychineselanternfestival.org.
For more fun things to do in Philly with Kids visit our Things to do in Philadelphia with Kids series.