Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Square with over 30 all-new glowing lantern displays June 21 – August 7, 2022.

For the first time in three years, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is set to transform Philadelphia’s Franklin Square into a dreamlike garden once again, filling it with massive lantern displays that celebrate the cultural traditions of China.

The 2022 festival will feature over 30 all-new displays consisting of thousands of individual lanterns illuminated by tens of thousands of LED lights. Construction on the lanterns will begin in Franklin Square in late May. The sculptures will be built on site by Chinese artisans who have had the skills passed down from generation to generation, using materials created in China and shipped to the United States specifically for the event.

Notable displays include the return of the popular 200-foot-long dragon, giant Temple of Heaven, walk-through panda bamboo forest and wisteria tunnel, a giant whale that swims, mythological creatures, and interactive installations, including a kaleidoscope selfie spot.

The festival will offer nightly performances by dancers, martial artists, contortionists, and other acts. Dine at SquareBurger or on delicious Asian cuisine and enjoy cocktails at the Dragon Beer Garden. New for 2022, enjoy the Franklin Square Fountain Show featuring a brand new song exclusive to the Lantern Festival.

Throughout the duration of the festival, visitors are also encouraged to bring their admission tickets or receipts to participating restaurants in Chinatown to redeem special offers and discounts.

The 2022 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will be open daily 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tickets range from $12-20 depending on day of visit and age of visitor. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit Historic Philadelphia, Inc., which operates and manages Franklin Square.