The year of the dragon soars into summer 2024 as the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square from June 20 – August 18, 2024 with magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted artistic sculptures.

The popular 200-foot-long dragon returns along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays.

In addition to the light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, taste expanded food and drink options including Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise.

Tickets Info

Monday through Thursday tickets:

· $25 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Friday through Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):

· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $26 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)


The Festival will illuminate Franklin Square nightly at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelphia from June 20 - August 18, 2024. During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours.

The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events.

Student Design Contest

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest presented by Temple University gives area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2024 Festival. Children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a dragon to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

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 28, 2024.

Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org