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HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA, INC. AND TIANYU ARTS AND CULTURE ANNOUNCE 2026 PHILADELPHIA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
PHILADELPHIA, March 12, 2026 – Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI), the non-profit organization that renovated, funds, manages, and operates award-winning Franklin Square, along with Tianyu Arts and Culture, announce the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, Friday, June 5 – Sunday, August 16, 2026. In tribute to the Year of the Horse and the excitement of Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, this year’s Festival will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. Tianyu Arts and Culture is an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China – the world’s lantern capital. Tickets for the 2026 Festival will go on sale to the public on April 6, 2026, at 9 am. Franklin Square is also celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026.
An Evening in Franklin Square, the fundraiser and private Festival preview, will take place on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm, allowing attendees a sneak peek of the Festival before it opens to the public. This illuminating evening includes a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, and dessert and dancing among the lanterns throughout the Square. All proceeds from An Evening in Franklin Square benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square. Visit historicphiladelphia.org for ticket and sponsorship options or to bid on auction items.
About the 2026 Festival
In celebration of the Year of the Horse – symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation – the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit from June 5 – August 16, 2026. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers.
In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate, extending the Franklin Square 20th Birthday fun into the evening. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., supporting the care, programming, and year-round free events that make Franklin Square a vibrant gathering place for all.
An Evening in Franklin Square, the fundraiser and private Festival preview, will take place on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm, allowing attendees a sneak peek of the Festival before it opens to the public. This illuminating evening includes a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, and dessert and dancing among the lanterns throughout the Square. All proceeds from An Evening in Franklin Square benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square. Visit historicphiladelphia.org for ticket and sponsorship options or to bid on auction items.
About the 2026 Festival
In celebration of the Year of the Horse – symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation – the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit from June 5 – August 16, 2026. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers.
In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate, extending the Franklin Square 20th Birthday fun into the evening. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., supporting the care, programming, and year-round free events that make Franklin Square a vibrant gathering place for all.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest gives area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2026 Festival. Children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a horse to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Winning drawings will be crafted into lanterns and displayed during the Festival. The students will be able to take the lantern home with them at the conclusion of the Festival. Deadline for submission is May 8, 2026. Submission information at phillychineselanternfestival.org.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square (note full name)
6th and Race Streets
June 5 – August 16, 2026, 6 - 11 pm, daily (closed July 4)
During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime with a free scavenger hunt, 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. Stay tuned to phillychineselanternfestival.org for updated information.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass provides unlimited entry for the duration of the Festival: adults (with ID) $90 and children (ages 3–12) $50. Regular ticket prices are below.
Monday - Thursday tickets:
· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $25 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Friday - Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):
· $32 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $29 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Discount tickets for Philly Mini Golf and Parx Liberty Carousel are available during the Festival. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additional fees apply for online purchase.
Special event rentals during the Festival are available Mondays through Thursdays, either daytime or nighttime, or Fridays through Sundays daytime only. For special event rentals or group sales (for 20 or more people), email [email protected].
Chinese Lantern Festival Background – An Art Form Steeped in History and Cultural Uniqueness
Originating from Zigong, Sichuan Province, China, lantern art is a traditional folk craft dating back 1,000 years. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, it is celebrated for its grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and integration of traditional Chinese cultural themes. For over a thousand years, Chinese lantern-making has been more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant art form that embodies Chinese philosophy, symbolism, and communal celebration. The lanterns from Zigong, often called the “Lantern Capital of the World,” represent the pinnacle of this craft, a handcrafted piece of narrative art. Some of the lanterns carry cultural significance, such as a Chinese dragon, lotus flower, peacock, or crane; others are designed to speak to the local audience, incorporating stories and symbols from cultures around the world. The diversity and innovation in themes and designs of Chinese lanterns ensures that the art form survives for centuries.
Franklin Square, celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026, is Philadelphia’s original green space and a beautiful oasis in Historic Philadelphia. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit that renovated, funds, manages, and operates Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. and its parent company, Sichuan Tianyu Cultural Communications, Ltd. in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. The Festival is sponsored by PECO and is in partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and the City of Philadelphia.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at HistoricPhila or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square (note full name)
6th and Race Streets
June 5 – August 16, 2026, 6 - 11 pm, daily (closed July 4)
During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime with a free scavenger hunt, 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. Stay tuned to phillychineselanternfestival.org for updated information.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass provides unlimited entry for the duration of the Festival: adults (with ID) $90 and children (ages 3–12) $50. Regular ticket prices are below.
Monday - Thursday tickets:
· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $25 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Friday - Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):
· $32 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $29 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)
Discount tickets for Philly Mini Golf and Parx Liberty Carousel are available during the Festival. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additional fees apply for online purchase.
Special event rentals during the Festival are available Mondays through Thursdays, either daytime or nighttime, or Fridays through Sundays daytime only. For special event rentals or group sales (for 20 or more people), email [email protected].
Chinese Lantern Festival Background – An Art Form Steeped in History and Cultural Uniqueness
Originating from Zigong, Sichuan Province, China, lantern art is a traditional folk craft dating back 1,000 years. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, it is celebrated for its grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and integration of traditional Chinese cultural themes. For over a thousand years, Chinese lantern-making has been more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant art form that embodies Chinese philosophy, symbolism, and communal celebration. The lanterns from Zigong, often called the “Lantern Capital of the World,” represent the pinnacle of this craft, a handcrafted piece of narrative art. Some of the lanterns carry cultural significance, such as a Chinese dragon, lotus flower, peacock, or crane; others are designed to speak to the local audience, incorporating stories and symbols from cultures around the world. The diversity and innovation in themes and designs of Chinese lanterns ensures that the art form survives for centuries.
Franklin Square, celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026, is Philadelphia’s original green space and a beautiful oasis in Historic Philadelphia. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit that renovated, funds, manages, and operates Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. and its parent company, Sichuan Tianyu Cultural Communications, Ltd. in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. The Festival is sponsored by PECO and is in partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and the City of Philadelphia.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at HistoricPhila or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
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