Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
By TMF 3/12/2026 06:32:00 PM Travel, VisitPAIn tribute to the Year of the Horse and Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will g...
In tribute to the Year of the Horse and Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will glow with light, art, culture, and global spirit in Franklin Square, Friday, June 5 – Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Festival go on sale to the public on April 6, 2026, at 9 am. Franklin Square is also celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026.
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Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI), the non-profit organization that renovated, funds, manages, and operates award-winning Franklin Square, along with Tianyu Arts and Culture, announce the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in celebration of the Year of the Horse – symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation.
The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk.
All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers.
In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden.
Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate, extending the Franklin Square 20th Birthday fun into the evening. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., supporting the care, programming, and year-round free events that make Franklin Square a vibrant gathering place for all.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest
Giving area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2026 Festival, children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a horse to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Winning drawings will be crafted into lanterns and displayed during the Festival.
The students will be able to take the lantern home with them at the conclusion of the Festival. Deadline for submission is May 8, 2026.
An Evening in Franklin Square fundraiser and private Festival preview
Taking place on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm, allows attendees a sneak peek of the Festival before it opens to the public. This illuminating evening includes a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, and dessert and dancing among the lanterns throughout the Square.
All proceeds from An Evening in Franklin Square benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square.
Tickets Info
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass provides unlimited entry for the duration of the Festival: adults (with ID) $90 and children (ages 3–12) $50.
Regular ticket prices are below.
Monday - Thursday tickets:
· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $25 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Friday - Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):
· $32 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $29 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Discount tickets for Philly Mini Golf and Parx Liberty Carousel are available during the Festival. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additional fees apply for online purchase.
Special event rentals during the Festival are available Mondays through Thursdays, either daytime or nighttime, or Fridays through Sundays daytime only.
Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org







