Top Highlights of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2025

Summer nights just got brighter with the return of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival for its ninth year. With 1,100 lanterns handmade by artisans, plus cultural performances and flavorful food vendors, it’s a magical experience. The festival is held at Franklin Square and runs through August 31.

Welcome to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a fountain show where water dances along to the music, but the real magic begins as the sun sets and the lanterns start to glow. There are countless eye-catching displays to explore, from the Great Coral Reef filled with vivid fish to a peacock that fans out its vibrant wings. You’ll be immersed as you walk through forest scenes featuring a mama bear and her cubs, all the way to the Jellyfish Infinity Room, where luminescent jellyfish dangle all around.

Interactive games are spread throughout the festival, making it an engaging experience for the entire family. The live performances are just as interactive, with acrobats dazzling the crowd and performers showcasing a traditional Sichuan opera art form, complete with brightly colored masks and quick fan movements.

If all that exploring works up an appetite, there’s a variety of Asian and American cuisine to choose from. A standout is the Crisp Tempura Ebi, drizzled with sweet chili sauce from Oishii, paired with their sweet and tart Passionfruit Punch, packed with mango, lychee, and strawberry jellies. You’ll find Oishii tucked away in the Rainforest Corridor.

By the Lotus Pond is Sang Kee, and they pack a punch with their Dan Dan Noodles coated in peanut sauce infused with Szechuan peppers for a fiery kick. I’m a sucker for a good bao bun, and Sang Kee definitely delivers with their Chicken Bao Bun. The pillowy bao is packed with thinly sliced tender pieces of chicken, and I topped it with sesame sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

If you’re looking to unwind, make your way past the Great Coral Reef to the Octopus Cocktail Garden. The Koi Krush blends right in with the underwater scene, served in a fishbowl packed with bursting popping boba, gin, passionfruit, and pineapple juice. This drink is sure to sweeten your night. The Lychee Lemonade is a delightfully refreshing cocktail for a hot summer evening, made with vodka, lychee cordial, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Right beside the Echo Aquarium, where adorable fish echo your every word, is Humpty’s Dumplings, which fuses Asian and American cuisine to create fun dumpling flavors. The Buffalo Chicken oozes sauce with every bite, and the Street Corn is creamy with a spicy kick. And of course, there’s no better way to end the night than with a sweet treat. They offer unique mochi flavors like cake batter filled with birthday cake ice cream and coconut packed with shredded coconut bits. The blend of chewiness and cream is impeccable.

Click here for a full food & beverage menu.

Visit the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

The festival is easily accessible by public transit and offers a spectacular experience, whether you’re with a group or exploring on your own. From the moment you enter, you’re immersed in the beauty and culture, walking amongst the glow of intricately decorated lanterns.

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square
June 20 through August 31
Open 6 – 11 p.m. daily

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