Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Returns For 2024: See Dates, Events

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival has returned to Franklin Square this year. Dubbed a celebration of light and culture, the festival features live performances, shopping, dining, and more.

This year's festival kicked off on June 20 and continues through Aug. 18.

The 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival will celebrate the Year of the Dragon by showcasing 18 different three-dimensional drags or dragon sculptures, according to the event's website. More than 900 dragons will also line the Palace Lantern Corridor display.

View lantern names and locations within the park here.

In addition to the illuminated lanterns, festival admission includes live performances every night. Performances range from face-changing, artistic hula-hooping, folk dance and more.

Here's the entertainment schedule for the 2024 event:

6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.: Rendell Family Fountain shows
7:30 p.m: Stage Performances
8 and 8:30 p.m.: Fountain shows
9 p.m: Stage performances
9:30 and 10 pm – Fountain shows
10:15 p.m.: Stage performances
10:30 p.m.: Fountain show

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a wide variety of Chinese cuisine from vendors including Oishii and Sang Kee. Other food vendors include SquareBurger, Humpty’s Dumplings, Hunnypie and the Lotus Cocktail Garden.

See food menus online.

Attendees are also invited to enjoy other attractions Franklin Square has to offer, including the Parx Liberty Carousel, the Philly-themed mini-golf course and family-friendly playgrounds. Additional tickets are required for the carousel and golf course.

Ticket Information

During the day, admission to Franklin Square is free to the public. At 5 p.m. daily, Franklin Square is cleared of guests and the park closes in preparation for the festival.

The festival begins at 6 p.m. daily and tickets are required. Tickets are available for purchase at the festival entrance; however, sales may end when the park is at capacity. Purchasing advance tickets is strongly recommended.

Monday through Thursday: General admission tickets can be purchased to enter the festival anytime between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults; $23 for youth (ages 13-17), seniors, and active military; and $16 for children (ages 3-12).

Friday through Sunday: Timed, general admission tickets can be purchased to enter the festival at hour intervals. Entrance times start at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults; $26 for youth (ages 13-17), seniors, and active military; and $16 for children (ages 3-12).

Purchase tickets online.