Highlights From the Beautiful 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
The 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is now open in Franklin Square. A must see every summer in Philadelphia. We had such a great time last year that I’ve been…
The 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is now open in Franklin Square. A must see every summer in Philadelphia. We had such a great time last year that I’ve been eagerly awaiting this year’s festival. We checked out the festival on opening night on Thursday and it didn’t disappoint. It’s beautiful.
This also may not be obvious, but it’s a really fun outing for kids too. Wide open spaces for them to run, and LOTS to see. My daughter was just 1 year-old last year and loved all of the lights and animal lanterns and bubbles. This year she was 2, and it was even better. The moment we walked in through the gate she gasped with delight. We were hoping for the return of two highlights from last year too, the smoke bubbles, and the light-up star stepping “stones”. Both were there, and she again LOVED them. It was a blast watching her enjoy both.
Highlights for 2024
- For the Year of the Dragon, there are 18 dragon sculpture lanterns this year with more than 918 dragons lining the entrance to the Festival.
- It took 29,600 hours of labor and more than 100 people to create the lanterns for this year’s Festival.
- The lanterns are created by hand on 19,000 square feet of silk fabric stretched over steel frames and then lit with over 10,000 thousand LED lights.
- The giant dragon lantern is longer than three school buses and weighs 6,000 pounds. Standing 164 feet long and 21 feet high, the head was installed with a 15-person crew. There are more than 70 individual pieces that make up this one lantern.
- There are over 200 animals featured this year, including 19 pandas.
Food and Drink Options
Plan to eat there. Don’t eat ahead of time. There’s a lot to offer as far as food and drink options. Asian cuisine, and American comfort food too. You can get anything from a spring roll and spicy noodles to a pretzel, chicken nuggets and a burger.
They also have a Dragon Beer Garden and many drink and dessert options throughout Franklin Square including fruit smoothies and ice cream sundaes. There’s really something for everyone, and affordably priced too.
Franklin Square Fountain, Carousel, Mini Golf and More
In addition to the incredible 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival sights and sounds, all of the favorite parts of Franklin Square are available too. Philly Mini-Golf, the fountain show, and classic Marx Liberty Carousel (for a discounted rate during the festival). We checked out all of it and rode the carousel (or the horseys, as my daughter put it) multiple times. She was thrilled.
Open Now Through August 18th (Closed July 4th)
Do not miss this festival. Open every evening in Franklin Square, with the exception of the July 4th holiday. Make a plan to check it out in person some time before August 18th. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Tickets to the 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Monday through Thursday tickets:
· $25 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)
Friday through Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):
· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $26 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)
