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*Tickets for this experience were provided by VisitPhilly , but as always, all opinions are my own.
I must admit that for the past two years I did not visit the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia, because I read a few posts here and there that stated that the event was “overrated.”
I very much regret listening to those few visitors, because I found the Chinese Lantern Festival to be magical.
We arrive early, while tendrils of daylight still hang in the sky. I highly recommend doing this when you visit. Witnessing the lanterns in the day light, and then seeing everything spring to life when darkness comes, ignites the imagination. It feels like being in a Studio Ghibli film, where a girl goes to a lantern festival, and all of the lanterns actually do come to life. If only I could roll around and play with the happy panda bears.
While you wait for nightfall, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the food kiosks, or a drink from the Dragon Beer Garden.
We gather with other visitors to watch the first show of the evening.
The show is fun. There are plate spinners, acrobats, and a contortionist. I have so many questions. How old are you when you start training to be a plate spinner? How many hours a day do you have to work to be that flexible?
I want to say thank you to the little girl near me, who is so enthralled by the show, she sighs wistfully and says,
“What beautiful art.”
You give me hope for the world.
My favorite part of the show is the Face Changer. I am amazed. I am fascinated. It’s even better, when the audience catches on, and everyone explodes into cheers every time the Face Changer magically changes her mask.
We walk around and view all of the lanterns, then we walk around to view them all again, just to make sure we didn’t miss a single detail.
The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia, takes place in Franklin Square. Having the event in the Square, makes it all the more pleasant. The fountain is lit up, there are benches and picnic tables dotted around if you need a rest.
Our favorite lantern is the enormous, walk-through, shark, because, how often do you get to walk through a giant rainbow shark?
In the end, I completely disagree that the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia is overrated. We had a lovely time. Giant, lit-up, dragons and panda bears, create a happy vibe, a vibe and magic that you can experience if you visit the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia.
To visit the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia, you can get tickets here (ends June 30th)
If you’d like to join a great travel community, check out WeekendWanderlust
Comments are closed.
Anny
atIf you’re traveling to festival on a budget, it’s definitely possible as there are plenty of free things to do in Philadelphia
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atSo true. My favorite free thing in Philadelphia is the Rare Book Department at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
atDavid and I are looking at visiting Philadelphia next year to do a tour of the wonderful gardens within easy reach of the city. I love the idea of combining this with a visit to the Chinese Lantern Festival. We once lived in Hong Kong so we have a soft spot for things Chinese.
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atA garden tour would amazing. I know everyone loves the biggie, Longwood Gardens, but my favorite Philly area garden is Chanticleer. Depending on if you have a car and how much you don’t mind driving, the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ is worth the trip.
Ruth
atThis is so cool! I have never been to an event like this but it is clear I have to go. My favorite lanterns have to be the pandas (even though others are far more impressive but I am a panda lover).
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atI loved the Pandas so much. We like a board game called Takenoko where you grow bamboo for Pandas to munch. The Panda display looked like a life sized version of the game.
Victoria Marie Lees
atTotally awesome, Sarah! Thanks for sharing your magnificent photos and adventures. I liked the video, too! Enjoy your weekend.
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atThanks so much for reading. I’m trying to increase my video skills, but it’s a little slow going.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel
atThese are beautiful! I particularly like the peacock. Glad you enjoyed it. #WeekendWanderlust.
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atI liked the peacock too, especially the blue and green colors.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
atHow awesome! We love lantern festivals – they’re so magical! Hopefully, we can catch the one in Philadelphia some time. Thanks for sharing with us on #WeekendWanderlust!
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atIt was so much fun. They picked a perfect spot as the setting.
Deah Hester
atI think it looks amazing- not at all “overrated”! To each his own, I guess. I hope to get back to Philly soon, so may have to time the visit to see this. Thanks for the info!
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atPhilly is such a great city to visit. I think people think about the history, but it’s also a great art city.
Rhonda Albom
atI have been going to the local Chinese lantern festival for years. I usually arrive after dark so I don’t get to see any of the performances but I don’t need to. The artistic light sculptures at these types of festivals are great and I agree, they are not overrated.
obligatorytraveler@gmail.com
atFrom what I can tell they rotate them each year, so I saw someone say we will get Virgina’s next year. I can’t wait to see all of the new lanterns.