It’s official: Franklin Square announced today that it will bring back the popular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival this spring. The event returns May 1 and will stay aglow through June 30.
This is the third year of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, which brings dozens of traditional handcrafted lanterns to the 7.5-acre park that light up after the sun sets. Returning lanterns this year include the cute panda bears and the massive, 200-foot dragon that snakes its way across the park. New features include a fairy tree, new animals—including a collection spotlighting endangered species—a walk-through great white shark tunnel and an elephant-centric exhibit that guests can power themselves by pedaling a bicycle
Photograph: Jeff Fusco
The 2018 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival promises to bring 28 all new lanterns to Franklin Square, and an itinerary of complementary events, such as Chinese acrobatic performers and handicraft workshops led by Chinese folk artists. The Dragon Beer Garden also returns, giving guests a chance to sip on beer, wine and cocktails and munch on Chinese-inspired nibbles as they wander through the display.
Photograph: Jeff Fusco
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will be open every day from 7 to 11pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for youth 17 and under and $15 for seniors and military. Little ones 2 and under are free. More information and advance tickets can be found here.