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Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
During the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Franklin Square lights up the night.
The can’t-miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District hosts dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns depicting fantastical creatures, familiar critters, flora, fauna and more.
Also on the docket at this uber-popular ticketed event: live cultural performances, shopping, dining, the Dragon Beer Garden and more.
The festival has been a must-see for residents and visitors since debuting in 2016 and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.
This year, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival runs from June 20 to August 18, 2024.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square is a celebration of light and culture that showcases dozens of larger-than-life lantern displays constructed by artists from China and the Philadelphia region.
The iconic 200-foot-long dragon installation lands in the square once again — ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with festivalgoers — among new, never-before-seen sculptures, including some designed by local students.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Tianyu
The festival also features a variety of live stage performances and folk art demonstrations.
Thirsty guests can quench their thirst at the vibrant Dragon Beer Garden, while dining options on the festival grounds range from traditional Asian cuisine to classic American eats.
Attendees are also invited to enjoy the other attractions that Franklin Square has to offer, including the Parx Liberty Carousel; the Philly-themed mini-golf course; choreographed, illuminated water shows at the Rendell Family Fountain; and family-friendly playgrounds. (Note that additional tickets are required for the carousel and golf.)
Additional details about this year’s light installations, performances and more are forthcoming, so check back later for more information.
During the daytime, admission to Franklin Square is free to the public, as always, and festival lanterns are freely viewable. At 5 p.m. daily, Franklin Square is cleared of guests and the park closes in preparation for the festival.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival begins at 6 p.m. sharp and tickets are required. While tickets are often available for purchase at the festival entrance, sales may end when the park is at capacity — so advance tickets are strongly recommended.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Tianyu Arts & Culture
Monday through Thursday: General admission tickets can be used anytime from 6 to 11 p.m. to the tune of $25 for adults, $14 for children (ages 3-12), and $23 for youth (ages 13-17), seniors and active military.
Fridays and Saturdays: To manage park capacity, timed tickets are required, which allow festival entry 15 minutes before the time printed and at any point after. They run $28 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-12), and $26 for youth (ages 13-17), seniors and active military.
Folks looking to experience everything Franklin Square has to offer can also pick up discounted tickets to the Parx Liberty Carousel, Philly Mini-Golf or both.
Kids 2 years and under (accompanied by an adult) can enter the festival and join in on attractions free of charge any day. Ticketholders are not allowed re-entry after leaving the festival grounds.
For more information on the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival and to purchase tickets, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
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