The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square until the end of the summer. Every year, the illuminating occasion lights up the historic part of the city with steel-framed and silk-wrapped artistic sculptures—and it’s all rather extraordinary.
In 2025 there are some can’t-miss elements at this fan-favorite event, and we’ve got the scoop on them all.
Interactive elements
Every Lantern Festival has its own set of interactive sculptures, but this year seems to really take the cake with surprises. From a carnival-like button-game that allows a giant volcano to erupt if pressed hard enough, to an under-the-water-themed talkback aquarium, to a walk-in jellyfish room, there’s something virtually around every corner. Some elements even offer single or multiplayer games, but all are worthy of photo opportunities. In total, visitors will find 20 different interactive elements around the park.
Food and drinks
With so much to see and do, locals are bound to reach for a treat or a cold beverage—and this year, the Fest has really stepped up its game when it comes to bites and brews. The Octopus Cocktail Garden offers cocktails (one even comes in a souvenir fishbowl glass), beer and wine. Or, visitors can opt to head to Sang Kee to try selections from one of Chinatown’s premiere restaurants, Oishii for assorted Asian-inspired options, SquareBurger for Americanized treats (like their famous Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet Shake), Chickie’s & Pete’s, or Humpty’s Dumplings for an assortment of fried dumplings and mochi options.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will also feature a smoothie vendor (get yours in a full pineapple), a separate beer bike station and even Cotton Candy art.
Entertainment
The Fest’s stage (located next to the notable 200-foot-long dragon) is back for another year with multiple shows taking place throughout the evening. Performances span the ancient Chinese dramatic art of face changing (also known as Bianlian), different acrobatics, chair hand-standing, juggling and more. While at the Festival, guests also have a front-row seat to the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, plus, access to play some Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate.
Experiences
The 2025 Chinese Lantern Festival will once again feature folk artists there to sell light-up paintings, aluminum braiding creations, lantern paintings and even inner-bottle paintings. Cultural immersion activities will also take place in the Franklin Square Pavilion on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during the entire Festival as well (free with admission), including a dumpling workshop with Sang Kee and a chance to meet the Face Changer.
New ticket options
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.
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).
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
