The 2019 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back in all of its dazzling glory with even bigger, brighter and more amazing magnificent steel framed and silk wrapped handmade Chinese Lanterns to set the historic Franklin Square ablaze with their beauty and awesomeness. From May 1, 2019 through June 30th, 2019 Historic Philadelphia, Inc. will host the 2019 Chinese Lantern Festival, complete with a array of special festivities perfect for families. This year’s festival contains all new exquisite lanterns that are sure to delight young and old alike! My husband and I had the opportunity to tour this year’s festival before opening night at the Media Preview on Tuesday evening and we thought this year’s festival is the best yet! We absolutely loved it!
Set in beautiful Franklin Square among the crystal flowing fountains, nostalgic carousel, Philadelphia themed mini golf course and other family friendly amenities that the park has to offer, it is the perfect outing for a spring or summer evening. (It is definitely a lovely date night idea as well!)
For eight weeks, this celebration of light and Chinese culture will set Franklin Square aglow with more than 29 larger-than-life illuminated displays, which include a 200 ft long phoenix, a walk through dragon tunnel, mermaids, pandas and more.
In addition to the gorgeous light installations, festival-goers will enjoy daily performances, a Dragon Beer Garden, Asian and American cuisines, crafts by working artists, illuminated swings and a fortune telling wheel – all while still be able to play mini-golf, ride the carousel, and enjoy Center City’s best play place during the spring and all year long. (Additional tickets required for the Parx Carousel and Mini Golf) What an amazing way to celebrate the beauty of spring and summer in Philadelphia!
During this event period, Franklin Square will be open during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square grounds open daily at 6 AM. The attractions will open at 10 AM and close at 5 PM each day in preparation for the Festival. The park is cleared of guests during this time. After 6 pm, the Festival requires tickets for entry. Tickets are available at the Festival entrance or online HERE. For groups of 20 or more, please contact Group Sales by calling (215) 629-4026 x209. The Franklin Square Pavilion can be rented for birthday parties, corporate events, and special events. For information on booking a special event or party in the Pavilion: http://historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/parties-and-facility-rentals/.
The Franklin Square Playground remains free and open until 9 PM each day. During Festival hours, guests not entering the Festival may use the 7th street entrance. A new way to experience the festival in the daytime (before 5 PM) for free is by exploring the Square with a Lantern Scavenger Hunt. Complete the scavenger hunt and receive a free ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel. Information can be picked up at the ticket window in Franklin Square. How fun is that?!
Parking During the Festival: Visitors are encouraged to park at PPA AutoPark at Independence Mall located between 5th & 6th Streets and Market and Arch Streets at 41 North 6th Street, Philadelphia (directly underneath the Independence Visitors Center) Sunday – Thursday parking is a flat rate of $8 (discounted rate) if guests show their Lantern Festival Ticket at the Garage Office (located on level P1, at the exit plaza) Guests may enter the lot after 5 PM and exit before 3 AM to receive the discount. If entry and exit time is outside of those parameters, guests must pay the normal lot fees. Fridays and Saturdays, parking is a flat rate of $7. If you are planning on spending the day in Philadelphia and cannot take advantage of the discounted rates above, use my special referral link https://refer.spothero.com/s/tug76 to download the SpotHero App and save $7 on your first SpotHero reservation.
For those of you who do head to the festival, you certainly are in for a real treat! Please feel free to come back and leave a comment on the blog post letting us know what you thought about the festival. I am hoping to make my way back again with my kids! I think they would love it!