Illuminate Your Summer at the Chinese Lantern Festival
Back for its most electrifying edition yet, the Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square from June 20 to August 31, 2025, transforming one of Philadelphia’s most historic public spaces into a vibrant, glowing wonderland. With more than 1,100 individual sculptures arranged in nearly 40 themed groupings, this year’s celebration honors the Year of the Snake with record-breaking wattage, a kaleidoscope of colors, and imaginative designs both familiar and brand new.
At the heart of the Chinese Lantern Festival is a glowing blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern spectacle. Constructed from steel frames wrapped in hand-painted silk, the lanterns shine with over 8,000 LED lights. The return of the iconic 200-foot-long dragon lantern is joined by luminous new highlights like the Jellyfish Infinity Room, Blue-Ringed Octopus Tunnel, and Coral Reef towering 38 feet high. Visitors can explore fantastical underwater scenes, an enchanting forest, and interactive games for all ages.
The lanterns are only part of the experience. Throughout the Festival, guests can catch mesmerizing stage performances by visiting Chinese artists. From face-changing masters to acrobats, jugglers, and high-flying teeter board artists, each evening offers a rotating display of human artistry and traditional showmanship. These performances are paired with a captivating light and music fountain show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain—featuring hits from Dua Lipa, Louis Armstrong, and even Katy Perry.
Celebrate Culture, Cuisine, and Craft at the Chinese Lantern Festival
Beyond the visual grandeur, the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square offers a full menu of immersive cultural programming and culinary delights. Sip colorful cocktails at the Octopus Cocktail Garden, or dig into dumplings, noodles, and fried treats from beloved vendors like Sang Kee, Oishii, and Humpty’s Dumplings. Prefer something closer to home? SquareBurger has American comfort classics for every taste.
Visitors can also meet traditional Chinese folk artists, including masters of light-up painting, inner-bottle painting, lantern decorating, and aluminum wire braiding. For families, cultural workshops run every weekend evening in the Pavilion, where guests can join dumpling-making classes with Sang Kee or learn the meditative art of Baduanjin Qigong.
Franklin Square’s year-round attractions remain open during the Festival, too. Putt your way through Philly Mini Golf, ride the Parx Liberty Carousel, or enjoy a daytime scavenger hunt through the unlit lanterns for a whole new perspective. And don’t miss the Panda Promotions—discounts and deals at Chinatown businesses available by flashing your Festival ticket.
New for 2025 is the Chinese Lantern Festival Pass, offering unlimited evening admission all summer long—$80 for adults and $45 for children. Advance tickets are highly recommended, with pricing tiers available for weekdays and weekends. Monday visitors even get extra perks: the first 500 guests each week receive a surprise giveaway.
Discover a Glowing World at the Chinese Lantern Festival
With its roots in centuries-old tradition and its eyes on innovation, the Chinese Lantern Festival is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a cultural cornerstone of Philadelphia summer life. The craftsmanship behind each lantern, the artistry of each performance, and the energy of the crowd all come together to form an experience that is at once ancient and electric.
The Chinese Lantern Festival offers something radiant for everyone. From the roar of the Great White Shark to the gentle hum of a Dumpling Workshop, Franklin Square is once again the place where culture shines brightest.
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