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 14, 2022.

For the first time in three years, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is set to transform Philadelphia’s Franklin Square at 6th and Race Streets 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 began in Franklin Square in late May. The sculptures are 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.

New for 2022, the Franklin Square Fountain Show will feature a brand-new song, “Little Apple” by Chopsticks Brothers, exclusive to the Lantern Festival. The festival will also offer three 30-minute stage performances by dancers, martial artists, contortionists, and other acts each night of the festival. Performances are free with Lantern Festival admission.

Dine on delicious Asian cuisine from Sang Kee and Oishii, or savor comfort foods from SquareBurger. Enjoy cocktails at the Dragon Beer Garden (open nightly until 10 p.m.) in a beautiful clear tent operated by Cescaphe. In partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, businesses in Chinatown are offering special offers and discounts to visitors who bring their admission tickets or receipts from the Lantern Festival. Panda Promotion partners will also be distributing discount Lantern Festival tickets for their customers. Look for the Panda Promotion poster in the window of participating businesses.

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., the non-profit that operates and manages Franklin Square, which hosts many year-round events.