Chinese Lantern Festival

After last year's incredibly successful event in Franklin Square, Historic Philly has brought back the amazing Chinese Lantern Festival for 2017. We recently had the privilege of checking it all out, and we have to admit that it might be even better this year!  The Festival is made up of 25 plus displays that were put together in China using traditional techniques and then lit up with LED lights.  The giant lanterns (and some of them are HUGE) reflect mostly animal themes and cultural designs - though we did get a kick out of seeing the beloved Visit Philly "XOXO" lit up among the others.

There was delight at every turn of the festival, and as it got darker and darker, the more magical it became. You could keep going back to see it all in a new way again and again. Some of our favorites included the blinking Owls, the immersive Undersea scene, and the playfully swinging Monkeys.  We also loved looking for our own Zodiac Animal, as each one was whimsically represented with their corresponding years printed underneath. Of course, the breathtaking Walkways earned top marks in our books, while the 200-ft Chinese Dragon stole the show from every turn - wow!

The festival is enhanced with Asian cultural experiences including delicious Roe Thai and Japanese food, beautiful music, artisan craft demonstrations (we loved watching the Sugar Painting), and live entertainment from dancing to plate spinning.  At the feet of the mighty enormous dragon, the Dragon Beer Garden returns for another year with a bigger menu and a fantastic view of the displays.

Daily Vacationer Jr says:

The Chinese Lantern Festival is a great place for families!  The shining lanterns turn Franklin Square into a magical world that speaks to every age and sparks imagination.  Children will be delighted to discover that the Parx Liberty Carousel and the Philly Mini Golf course are still open throughout the festival.  The Playground is open until 9pm with a connecting gate this year. Square Burger also remains open with a delicious menu for twilight and evening food breaks. Many of the artisan crafts are child-friendly, and everyone will want to take home a stuffed friend from the Pagoda Shop!

The Chinese Lantern Festival will be in Franklin Square nightly through June 18th

Sunday - Thursday 6pm to 10pm

Friday and Saturday 6pm to 11pm

$17 adults

$12 ages 3-17 (2 and under are FREE)

$15 seniors and military

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More Photos From Daily Vacationer

Photos from 2016 Philly Lantern Fest

Chinese Lantern Festival

Historical Philadelphia

Franklin Square

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