Philadelphia (AP) – What began as a summer event for the 2016 novel has blossomed into a summer tradition that is important for Philadelphia. In its eighth year, the Philadelphia China Lantern Festival in Franklin Square became a seasonal staple for locals and tourists.
This year, the festival will once again transform the historic square into a bright wonderland.
In Philadelphia, visitors will walk through the lighted tunnels at the Philadelphia China Lantern Festival on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
Over 1,000 handmade lanterns depict complex scenes, from fascinating forests to underwater worlds. A 200-foot-long dragon, the centerpiece has become an iconic summer symbol of the city.
“It definitely became a Philadelphia summer tradition, and people really started to expect it,” said Amy Needle, president and CEO of the historic Philadelphia, event organizer. “We have people who come back every year. They know that every year the lanterns are all new.”
The child will run through the octopus display at the Philadelphia China Lantern Festival in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
An underwater scene is shown in Philadelphia China’s Lantern Festival on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
The appeal of the festival spans generations and cultures, attracting a diverse crowd that becomes immersed in breathing displays.
“Tonight, it was a beautiful night. Just looking at different people, whether you’re Asian, black, white or not, you’ll see different cultures… Everyone is here to celebrate,” said Tamaa Butler, a visitor to Nashville, Tennessee.
Some attendees, like Philadelphia resident Jamie Renegan, wear traditional Chinese attire to fully embrace the event.
The Yellow Lizard exhibition will be displayed in Philadelphia China’s Lantern Festival on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
“We love dressing up because we want to be immersed in the culture. We really want to embrace the moment and incorporate it all,” said Renegan, who visited the festival for the first time with a friend.
For others, visual splendor is the main attraction.
“All the colours and lights and stuff like that don’t get enough of it. It’s just crisp and beautiful,” said James Roman, who was on a day trip to town with his son.
An underwater scene is shown in Philadelphia China’s Lantern Festival on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
Traditionally, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year period of the month. However, organizers moved the event into the summer to avoid unpredictable winter weather. The Philadelphia China Lantern Festival will run until August 31st.
