We arrived right as the festival opened for the evening. We photographed our way through the amazing Dream Corridor and made our way to Square Burger for dinner. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival has several food options available. They include options at Square Burger (including kid favorites such as hot dogs and hamburgers, ice cream and milkshakes) as well as Roe Contemporary Cuisine’s menu which includes Chicken Satay, Beef Bao and other favorites. There are also snacks, such as chilled Chinese vegetable noodles with teriyaki mojo, green tea-infused deviled eggs with wasabi and ginger, and white truffle buttermilk ranch potato chips, served in the Dragon Beer Garden overlooking the 200-foot Chinese Dragon Lantern.
Each night there are two 30-minute special Chinese performances. The shows are 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm Sunday - Thursday and 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Friday and Saturday. The performances are held in the stage area, located by the Welcome Gate and The Dream Corridor, near the entrance. The kids (and adults) were amazed at the very talented cultural performances such as Plate Spinning, Juggling, Clowning Around, and Face Changing. These are definitely not-to-be-missed when you visit the festival.
There are several artisans and vendors set up within the festival with beautiful items for sale, including pinwheels, fans, lanterns and other products. There is also a merchandise booth as well with other gifts and souvenirs available.
The Parx Liberty Carousel in Franklin Square operates during the festival and it is $3 per person (children 2 and under are free). Philly Mini Golf is located in Franklin Square as well and is accessible during the festival. The Philly-themed golf course includes replicas of Philly landmarks such as The Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Miniature golf tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for children 2 - 12 and children 2 and under are free.
I found it impressive that the lanterns are created by hand on silk fabric stretched over steel frames and then lit with hundreds of LED lights. It is an amazing cultural display. In all, the festival is family-friendly and delightful for kids. There is lots of beauty and culture to see and hear.
Visitors are encouraged to park at PPA AutoPark at Independence Mall, located between 5th and 6th Streets and Market and Arch Streets (directly underneath the Independence Visitor Center). For guests who enter after 5 pm and exit before 3 am and present their Festival ticket to the parking office, parking is a flat rate of $7.50 Sunday – Thursday and $5 on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking was easy in-and-out and located just a short walk from the festival.
To find out more and purchase tickets visit http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/chineselanternfestival/
I was provided complimentary passes to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own!
