The Must Do Must See Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2023

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.

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

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 21 – August 13, 2023, 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 dragon gate.

How much does it cost to go to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?

Sunday through Thursday admission prices

•$22 for adults
•$14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
•$20 for student (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Friday and Saturday tickets admission prices (Timed tickets required)

•$25 for adults
•$14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
•$23 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 le vel 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).

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 over 30 beautifully illuminated displays!

From the moment I stepped through the Lion Dance 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.

A giant Lingzhi Tree that has never been seen before in the United States

New in 2023, a giant Lingzhi Tree (a type of mushroom) will be on display for the first time and it is more than 33 feet high – the tallest lantern at this year’s Festival. It also has a rock feature that acts as a bubble blower.

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.

Cherry Blossom Forest

There are over 2,000 pink cherry blossom flowers in the cherry blossom forest lantern.

More Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival lanterns to leave you in awe!

• Panda Playground
• Panda Paradise
• Panda-monium
• Parrot Talk
• Mythical Creature – Luo Yu
• Mythical Creature – Zou Wu
• Mythical Creature – Yu Shi Qie

• Birds & Flowers
• Flamingos
• Primates at Play
• Armadillos
• Tigers
• Leopards
• Karma Chameleon
• Monkeys
• Piranha Plants

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.

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

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Stage Performances

• Face-Changing – An ancient Chinese dramatic art where a performer changes masks quicker than the blink of an eye in this 300- year tradition of the Sichuan opera.
• Jar Juggling/Foot Juggling – Juggling is a unique artistic talent that requires lots of expertise, especially when you are propped on your back and juggling with your feet. Performers juggle jars by manipulating the objects using their feet and hands to keep large items floating in the air. The one performer even juggled a table and spun it on one foot. I was stunned and I still can’t figure out how she did it.
• Jiu-Jitsu Acrobatics – A traditional acrobatic sport, jiu-jitsu is known as “body art beyond limits.” Rugspinning is a way of performing jiu-jitsu, relying on the training of both the mind and body, requiring extreme flexibility. Most contortionists train in flexibility beginning between the ages of 5 and 7 since it takes at least 10 years of practice.
• Folk Dancer – Different from ballet or classical dance, Chinese folk dances originate from a range of different cultures and customs. A dancer in traditional costume will express themselves through the rich language of body movement.
• Plate Spinning – This traditional Chinese acrobatic performance is a circus manipulation art where a person spins plates, bowls, and other flat objects on poles, without dropping anything.
• Kung Fu Tea: Performers have turned tea-time into an art form. Set to music, this performance uses a long-stem tea pot to perform a unique tea ceremony.

At least 9 exhibits have motion or lights that change

• At the Lion Dance Entrance the globe on top rotates and the lions mouths open and close.
• In the Flower Tunnel the stems light up in pattern that mimics motion.
• In the Butterfly Garden and the Birds and Flower exhibit flowers petals move.
• Also in the Birds and Flower exhibit, one peacock fully opens and closes its feathers while also changing colors.
• Leopards balance on a log that moves up and down.
• Piranha Plants open and close.
• A Karma Chameleon moves his head back and forth and opens and closes his mouth.
• Pandas and monkeys swing on swings.
• Other pandas play on a see saw.

Make a Parrot Talk

This year one of the 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.

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.

• Lion Dance Entrance, at the entrance
• Eco Tunnel to the right of the stage
• Flower Tunnel, as you move from the entrance to the center of Franklin Square
• Chrysanthemum Corridor, between the carousel and mini golf
• Sea Dragon Tunnel, to the left of Squareburger, you can’t really miss it.

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

Can your kids count up all the pandas without missing one? As you pass through the Sea Dragon Tunnel there will be three areas of pandas: Panda Paradise, Panda Playground, and the Panda-monium.

Have more Panda fun

In the Panda area, there are two areas to stop and enjoy. Along the pathway is 2 very large pandas with buttons on them. Challenge one of the kids or your friends to a game of Panda-monium.

Then head back a little further, near Panda Paradise, for the Panda Photo Spot. Step into the panda-shaped head and take some pictures as the frame lights up and changes colors.

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 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.

Get Immersed in Chinese Culture

Free with admission, cultural interactive activities will take place inthe Franklin Square Pavilion on Friday and Saturday 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.

Dine on delicious Asian food

Sang Kee

Chinese selections from one of Chinatown’s premiere restaurants including chicken steam bun, Dan Dan noodles, vegetable fried rice, steamed meat dumplings, fried shrimp wonton, General Tso’s chicken, coconut shrimp, mixed vegetable sauté, pineapple or watermelon smoothies, and more. Sang Kee is located near the Chrysanthemum Corridor.

Oishii

Assorted Asian-inspired options from an array of cuisines including seaweed salad, veggie spring roll, shrimp tempura, grilled corn, chicken satay, Korean meatballs, beef or veggie bao, fried ice cream, mochi ice cream, funnel cake, Thai iced tea, Coconut Cloud (fresh coconut filled with coco pandan syrup, coconut water and topped with coconut jelly), and more. Oishii is located in the Dragon Beer Garden.

Enjoy classic comfort food at SquareBurger

SquareBurger serves burgers, grilled cheese, gluten-free veggie quesadilla, cheesesteak egg roll, churros, ice cream, fan favorite Cake Shake, vanilla fortune cookie shake, fruit salad, and funnel cake
fries.

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

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.

Find more gifts in the Pagoda Gift Shop

The Pagoda Gift Shop offers a variety of traditional and playful merchandise options including hand-made crafts, festival-themed items, and colorful lantern-inspired gifts. The Pagoda Gift Shop is located near the Eco Tunnel.

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

1. 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 20 40- foot cube containers on a ship to the United States.
2. The lanterns were created by over 80 people and assembled by a 30-person team of artisans from China over a one-month period in the Square.
3. The lanterns are created by hand on silk fabric stretched over steel frames and then lit with over 25,000 thousand LED lights (more than ever before!).
4. To make the lanterns, the artists use 20,000 square feet of silk and 16,000 feet of electric cables.
5. Besides the cherry blossoms, there are more than 500 flower sculptures including peonies, chrysanthemums, peach blossoms, and more. That is a total of 2,500 flowers throughout 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.