The NYC Winter Lantern Festival has arrived and the first location is now open, with more locations opening in October and November.

Note: I was invited as media to preview the exhibit. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

We were invited to SIUH Community Park in Staten Island, for a first look at the lanterns as they lighted up to welcome vistors.

With the theme “Journey to the East”, various lantern sculptures features Chinese folklore and fantasy figures including dragons, zodiac animals and even The Monkey King!


Along with fantasy creatures and scenes, we also saw illuminated tunnels, birds, flowers and more, as we walked on a path that took us around the whole park. It was really easy to see the various displays.

Besides seeing the latern sculptures, families can enjoy food and products from various vendors selling at the festival either within the park or outside at resturants offering deals for festical vistors.


For families looking for a fun Fall activity, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is a great pick with lots to offer. We enjoyed our time there and recommend visiting one of the locations or all of them!

2022 holiday season starts in October and is adding NEW locations including the Queens County Farm Museum, SIUH Community Park in Staten Island, Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, and Smithtown Historical Society in Suffolk County.


NYC Winter Lantern Festival will feature over ten thousand of handmade Chinese lanterns created by over one hundred artists, illuminated by LED lights that can reach up to 30 feet high across a total of 60 acres.

“Journey to the East” at SIUH Community Park

Located at 75 Richmond Terrace in Staten Island near Empire Outlets – Available from October 21, 2022, to January 8, 2023, visitors can walk and wander through a world inspired by Chinese myths and legends including a larger-than-life handmade lantern display of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.

In addition, lantern displays will include an animal kingdom, sea world, theme park, and illuminated tunnels. There will also be illuminated (rideable) swings, food vendors, and great photo ops!

From October 29, 2022, to December 23, 2022, hours are Fridays to Sundays 5 pm to 9:30 pm, then from December 23, 2022, to January 1, 2023 the show will be available daily (5-9:30 pm). $28.99 plus tax for adults and $17.99 plus tax for kids.

“Nassau Drive-Thru Adventure” at Nassau County Museum of Art

Located at One Museum Dr. in Roslyn – Available from October 21, 2022, to January 15, 2023, this is the only immersive drive-through experience with illuminated tunnels and Chinese lanterns inspired by outer space. Visitors will move between planets, rockets, astronauts and more.

From October 21 to January 15, hours are Thursdays to Sundays 5 pm to 9 pm. From December 23, 2022, to January 1, 2023, hours are daily from 5-9 pm. $50 plus tax per vehicle.

NEW! “Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival” at Smithtown Historical Society

Located at 239 East Main Street in Smithtown – Available from November 4, 2022, to January 8, 2023, this is the first show in Suffolk by the NYC Winter Lantern Festival which will transform Smithtown into a magical light display featuring flowers, animals, and much more.

Hours are Friday to Sundays 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. $22 plus tax for adults and $12 plus tax for kids.

“Illuminate the Farm” at Queens County Farm Museum

Located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens – Available from November 11, 2022, to January 8, 2023, this experience will feature a dazzling display of lights and illuminated Chinese lanterns – all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft.

Visitors can expect a luminescent display inspired by theme parks and Chinese myths and legends, along with illuminated tunnels, illuminated rideable swings, and much more.

From October 29 to December 23, 2022, hours are Friday to Sundays 5-9 pm. From December 23, 2022 to January 1, 2023, hours are daily from 5-9 pm. $26.99 plus tax for adults and $17.99 plus tax for kids.

Winter Lantern Festival Promo 2022



Created by Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group, NYC Winter Lantern Festival will open throughout the fall on various dates based on location, featuring a total of over 10,000 of LED Chinese-inspired artisan lanterns, along with live performances at select locations and on-site food vendors.

Learn more, visit - www.winterlanternfestival.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/WinterLanternFestival
Instagram - www.instagram.com/winterlanternfestival