Looking for outdoor things to do with kids around Philly? Spend an enchanted evening strolling Franklin Square amid dazzling illuminated, larger-than-life Chinese lantern sculptures.

Now a summer tradition, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival celebrates light and culture with silk-wrapped, steel-framed sculptures lighting up the night sky. The immense and brilliantly colorful lanterns feature animals, pop-culture references, mechanical sculptures, archways, and other scenes.

The festival also features multiple performances every night, fountain shows set to music, and a tasty assortment of food and beverage vendors.

When Is the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival?

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is open daily from 6 –11 pm, June 20 through August 31. Guests can view the lanterns for free during the day, but a ticket is required for nighttime entry after 6 pm. Timed tickets are needed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the last entry at 10:30 pm. Franklin Square remains open during regular daytime hours.

New for 2025

New for 2025, this year’s lantern festival features over 1,100 glowing creations across nearly 40 dazzling displays for guests to explore. Fan favorites like the 200-foot-long dragon are back, along with fresh additions like Light-Up Painting, a glowing tabletop piece with scenes of pandas, butterflies, castles, peacocks, and dragons. Each comes with three light settings: warm, white, and neutral.

All The Usual Faves

In addition to the gorgeous light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances and watch the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Taste the expanded food and drink options, including Asian cuisine and American comfort food. Drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as festival-themed merchandise.

Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

On Display: Lanterns Designed by Philly-Area Students

Don’t miss the lanterns designed by four Philly-area students who won the 2025 Student Lantern Design Contest. Children ages 8-14 were invited to submit a drawing of a snake to celebrate the Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake. The winning snake drawings were crafted into lanterns, which are on display throughout the festival.

Chinese Lantern Festival History

For centuries, lantern festivals marked the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in China — a time to pray for a good harvest and honor Taiyi, the god of heaven. One legend tells of a god who planned to punish humans by setting fire to the earth. However, a wise man saved them by urging everyone to light torches, lanterns, and fireworks to trick the god into thinking the world was already burning.

In ancient times, lanterns were simple with ornate versions reserved for emperors and noblemen. Today, lanterns showcase intricate, artistic designs like those featured at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Major cities across China still host annual light festivals that attract millions of visitors. Additionally, during Chinese New Year, families gather to admire lanterns that illustrate legends and preserve cultural stories.

Recreating a Chinese Tradition in Franklin Square

In Philadelphia, skilled Chinese artists and craftsmen build the lantern sculptures on site, transforming Franklin Square into a magical wonderland in just a few weeks. They weld steel frames into outlined shapes, string hundreds of LED lights inside, and wrap each frame in plain silk. After gluing the silk in place, they hand-paint animals, flowers, patterns, and other designs to complete each piece. When the lights switch on, the silk glows in the dark. Each larger-than-life lantern wows visitors with its craftsmanship, cultural significance, and artistic beauty.

An Enchanted Summer Evening in Franklin Square

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival offers families a unique cultural experience in the heart of the city. Enjoy a memorable outing this summer and experience the artistry and wonder of this magical celebration.

Lead photo by Pamela Badolato.