Glow Big or Go Home at the Philadelphia Lantern Festival

PopEntertainment
Jun 21
2 min read

Jellyfish Infinity Room at Philadelphia Lantern Festival 2025.

Glow Big or Go Home at the Philadelphia Lantern Festival

On Friday night, we experienced an evening of cultural immersion, delicious food, and more than 1,100 intricate individual sculptures. Since 2016, Franklin Square in Philly has hosted the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, inviting attendees to enjoy magnificent installations, radiant light displays, and of course, Chinese lanterns. With this year marking the 8th annual Lantern Festival, I can confidently say that this was the most dazzling year yet. This year’s festival runs now through August 31, displaying enchanted forest and marine life installations.

When we entered the festival, we were greeted by a beautiful walk-through arch display featuring lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors. This was only the beginning of the night’s wonders. The lantern tunnel led us to the center of the festival, highlighting Franklin Square’s Rendell Family Fountain. Even the historic fountain was dressed for the occasion with a visual and auditory display of its own, adorned with lights, frog, turtle, and plant sculptures, a dancing water show, and even music to match! This was easily one of my favorite parts of the night.

Food at Philadelphia Lantern Festival 2025.

Surrounding the center area of the festival, and scattered throughout, were a variety of refreshment stands including traditional Chinese cuisine, Asian comfort food, smoothies, boba drinks, and other unique food options. We sampled smashed cucumber salad, Sichuan cold noodles, cheesesteak dumplings, Thai boba tea, fried ice cream, and more. We may have to make a trip back this season to try more of the delicious foods! We also spent time in the Octopus Cocktail Garden, where we enjoyed themed beverages and browsed the Chinese folk artists’ crafts that were displayed for sale.

In addition to the stunning light installations and mouthwatering cuisine, the festival highlighted live cultural stage performances. We were lucky enough to witness immensely talented performers including the face changer, hat jugglers, and jar balancer. Seeing individuals share their craft that put so much time and passion into their art left me speechless. It was such a surreal feeling to be so immersed in Chinese culture and to learn about Chinese history by observing these displays of talent. Absolutely make time to watch the performances when you attend the festival.

Face Changer at Philadelphia Lantern Festival 2025.

You don’t want to miss the 2025 Philadelphia Lantern Festival. As a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, I can confidently say that this is the year to attend. Whether you go for the lights, the performances, or the food, you are in for a memorable and magical summer night out.

Visit https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/ to purchase tickets and for the most updated festival information.

Kayla Marra