Food, Entertainment & Attractions
ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to larger-than-life illuminated lanterns, festival admission includes three main stage live performances every night, including Face-Changing, Jar Juggling, Jiu-Jitsu Acrobatics, Plate Spinning, Kung Fu Tea, and Folk Dance.
The Franklin Square Fountain Show in the Rendell Family Fountain features the song, “Little Apple” by Chopstick Brothers, sponsored by Tianyu Arts & Culture and created specifically for the Chinese Lantern Festival.
The Franklin Square Fountain Show and stage performances are included in Festival admission.
Entertainment schedule:
6, 6:30, & 7 pm – Fountain Shows
7:30 pm – Stage Performances
8 & 8:30 pm – Fountain Shows
9 pm – Stage Performances
9:30 & 10 pm – Fountain Shows
10:15 pm – Stage Performances
Check out free activities in Franklin Square!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Dragon Beer Garden operated by Cescaphe
Raise a glass in the Dragon Beer Garden and enjoy beer, wine, and specialty drinks, including the Green Dragon, Flamingo Fizz, and Happy Hippo. Seating is available to enjoy all festival foods in the beautiful new Franklin’s View tent. Last call at 10 pm.
Oishii
Assorted Asian-inspired options from an array of cuisines including seaweed salad, veggie spring roll, shrimp tempura, grilled corn, chicken satay, Korean meatballs, beef bao, fried ice cream, mochi ice cream, Thai iced tea, Coconut Cloud (fresh coconut filled with coco pandan syrup, coconut water and topped with coconut jelly), and more.
Sang Kee
Chinese selections from one of Chinatown’s premiere restaurants including chicken steam buns, Dan Dan noodles, vegetable fried rice, meat dumplings, fried shrimp wonton, General Tso’s chicken, coconut shrimp, pineapple or watermelon smoothies, and more.
SquareBurger operated by Cooperage
Delicious traditional treats and Philly favorites including burgers, chicken tenders, and the fan favorite Cake Shake.
All food vendors accept cash and major credit cards.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
New for the 2023 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, immerse yourself in Chinese culture with Cultural Connections demonstrations Fridays and Saturdays, free with festival admission!
6:30 pm – Photos with the Face Changer – Take photos with the Face Changer after you watch him perform on-stage!
7:15 pm – Dumpling Demonstration with Sang Kee – Learn dumpling history and learn to make this favorite bite-sized treat!
8:15 pm – Folk Dance Lesson – Learn the ancient art of folk dancing from Lantern Festival
performers.
9 pm – Dumpling Demonstration with Sang Kee – Learn dumpling history and learn to make this favorite bite-sized treat!
FOLK ARTISTS
Authentic Chinese Folk artists Yu Via, Yinuo Hu, and Shajia Fang will be located in the Dragon Beer Garden. Art forms include Aluminum Braiding, Inner-Bottle, and Lantern Painting.
ATTRACTIONS
Parx Liberty Carousel
Hop on Center City’s only carousel featuring hometown heroes Afleet Alex, Smarty Jones, and other animals. Ticket price with Festival admission: Ages 3+: $3 per ride; children 2 and under: FREE.
Septa Perk: Show your septa Key for $1 off your carousel rides.
Philly Mini Golf
The 18-hole course features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Ben Franklin Bridge, the Liberty Bell, and the Chinatown Friendship Gate. Ticket price with Festival admission: Adults: $12; children 3-12: $10; children 2 and under: FREE with a paid accompanying guardian.
Pagoda Gift Shop
Shop for colorful lantern-inspired gifts, festival souvenirs, light-up toys, apparel, and more!
Daytime Scavenger Hunt
Participate in the free Lantern Scavenger Hunt to win free tickets to ride the Parx Liberty Carousel! Visit the Ticket Booth in Franklin Square for information.
Weather Policy
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Our lanterns are built to withstand all weather; however, severe weather or lightning within a 20-mile radius of Franklin Square can pose a safety concern for our guests and staff. This may cause us to pause the Festival.
If the Festival reopens within an hour, we are unable to offer refunds. If we are forced to close for longer than 60 minutes, guests may reschedule their ticket(s) or have their purchase refunded.
If inclement weather is forecasted, please check your email, our social media channels, or our website for updates. If weather conditions force a cancellation, guests will be offered a choice of rescheduling or refunding their ticket(s).
PRESENTED BY
SPONSORED BY
Proceeds from the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival directly support the operation and management of Franklin Square and many free events and programs throughout the year.
*Photos by Jeff Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and Tianyu