The Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Franklin Square this summer, and it’ll once again be loaded with steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lit-up artistic sculptures that brighten up the historic area of the city.
The festivities will officially open to the public on June 20, but for the second year in a row, the Evening in Franklin Square fundraiser has been moved to Tuesday, June 17, allowing attendees a private preview of the festival three days before opening.
What Philadelphians can expect this year is the popular 200-foot-long dragon along with completely new lantern displays and immersive experiences, live cultural stage performances, Asian-themed bites and American comfort food, a cocktail garden, and a front-row seat to the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate.
A portion of the festival proceeds benefit Historic Philadelphia, Inc., which programs and cares for this public space and its many year-round free events. The displays are free to view during the day (there’s even a scavenger hunt), but tickets are required for nighttime entrance (after 6 p.m., note that the park will close daily at 5 p.m. to prepare for the nightly festival).
While Philadelphians walk around the venue, there is something new to discover virtually at every corner. The festival always incorporates detailed lanterns—some that move, some that set the stage for a story, and even groupings that are interactive. Years past featured set-ups that predicted your fortune with just the push of a button, or experiences like a parrot that spoke what you said right back to you.
Stage shows will also take place at the festival at select times. Past performance schedules have included face changing, Jiu-Jitsu acrobatics, plate spinning, Kung Fu tea and folk dance.
For the first time ever, locals can opt to purchase the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass for unlimited entry throughout the duration of the occasion. Adult passes (with ID) run for $80 and children (ages 3-13) for $45. Typical Monday through Thursday tickets will be priced at $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free), $24 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.). Friday through Sunday tickets on the other hand (timed tickets required) run for $29 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free) and $27 for seniors and active military.
Young Philadelphians can become part of the fun as well.
According to a release, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest gives area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2025 Festival. Children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a dragon to celebrate the Year of the Snake. 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 16, and contest rules can be found online.
The lanterns will be on site until Aug. 31. , advance tickets are strongly recommended. To find out more information on the 2025 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square Park (200 N 6th St.), visit historicphiladelphia.org
