The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 returns to Franklin Square from June 5 through August 16 with an entirely new collection of illuminated sculptures celebrating the Year of the Horse. Produced by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and Tianyu Arts and Culture — the international event company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China, the world’s lantern capital — the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 features steel-framed, silk-covered sculptures crafted by master artisans, live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and a Cocktail Garden. Tickets go on sale April 6 at 9 a.m. Franklin Square is also celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026.
What’s New at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
Every lantern in the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 is brand new, including one-of-a-kind sculptures celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer — a nod to the FIFA World Cup, NCAA Tournament, and MLB All-Star Game that will converge on the city during its Semiquincentennial year. The Year of the Horse theme — symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation — runs through the collection alongside traditional motifs of animals, flowers, and Chinese cultural heritage. The blend of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition gives the 2026 edition a dimension that previous seasons of the festival have not carried.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 also features a Student Design Contest, inviting children ages 8 to 14 to submit a drawing of a horse. Winning drawings will be crafted into actual lanterns and displayed during the festival, and the students take them home at the conclusion. The submission deadline is May 8 at phillychineselanternfestival.org.
Food, Drinks, and Experiences at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
Beyond the lantern displays, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 fills Franklin Square with live cultural stage performances each evening and a choreographed fountain light show at the Rendell Family Fountain. The Cocktail Garden serves signature cocktails alongside Asian cuisine and American comfort food. Philly Mini Golf and the Parx Liberty Carousel — both Franklin Square fixtures — are available at discounted rates during the festival, extending the 20th Birthday Season programming into the evening hours. The festival runs nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. and is closed July 4. The lanterns are viewable for free during daytime hours with a free scavenger hunt, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 p.m.
Tickets and Pricing for the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
Tickets for the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 go on sale April 6 at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday pricing is $28 for adults, $16 for children ages 3 to 12, and $25 for seniors 65 and older and active military with ID. Friday through Sunday pricing is $32 for adults, $16 for children, and $29 for seniors and military. Children 2 and under are free. Timed tickets are required on weekends. The Season Pass provides unlimited entry for the full run of the festival at $90 for adults and $50 for children. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Special event rentals and group sales for 20 or more are available by emailing groupsales@historicphiladelphia.org.
An Evening in Franklin Square: The Festival Preview
An Evening in Franklin Square, the annual fundraiser and private preview, takes place Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. The event offers a first look at the festival before it opens to the public, along with a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, dessert, and dancing among the lanterns. All proceeds benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square. Ticket and sponsorship information is available at historicphiladelphia.org.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 runs June 5 through August 16 at Franklin Square, 6th and Race Streets. Nightly hours are 6 to 11 p.m. The festival is sponsored by PECO in partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and the City of Philadelphia. Visit phillychineselanternfestival.org for tickets and updated information.
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