Franklin Square
A vibrant urban oasis featuring a historic fountain, carousel, mini-golf, and the spectacular summer Chinese Lantern Festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Experience the illuminated Lantern Festival.
Franklin Square
Best Time
Experience the illuminated Lantern Festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis featuring a historic fountain, carousel, mini-golf, and the spectacular summer Chinese Lantern Festival.
"The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philly is truly a magical experience!
"🎟️ Lantern Fest Tickets
Book Lantern Festival tickets in advance for evening entry. Daytime access may be free.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the Lantern Festival.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square
Mesmerizing illuminated displays, stage shows, and fountain spectacles. A vibrant cultural celebration.

Spooky Mini Golf
Franklin Square
A Halloween-themed mini-golf course with kid-friendly decorations. Perfect for fall fun.

Historic Fountain
Franklin Square
The centerpiece of the park, offering a magical atmosphere, especially when lit at night.
Carousel Rides
Franklin Square
A classic carousel offering delightful rides for all ages, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Lantern Festival
Franklin Square: More Than Just a Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Lantern Fest Tickets
Book Lantern Festival tickets in advance for evening entry. Daytime access may be free.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the Lantern Festival.
📱 Use the S'mores App
Discover more cool Philly activities with the S'mores App.
🍔 Try Square Burger
Great chicken tenders and waffle fries, according to reviews.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Lantern Fest Tickets
Book Lantern Festival tickets in advance for evening entry. Daytime access may be free.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially during the Lantern Festival.
📱 Use the S'mores App
Discover more cool Philly activities with the S'mores App.
🍔 Try Square Burger
Great chicken tenders and waffle fries, according to reviews.
💧 Don't Miss Water Shows
The fountain shows with music and bubbles are a highlight of the Lantern Festival.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival for its breathtaking illuminated displays, vibrant cultural experience, and engaging performances. The park itself is noted for its family-friendly attractions like the carousel and mini-golf, with Square Burger receiving positive mentions for its food. Some find the ticket price for the evening festival to be a bit high, but most agree it's a worthwhile experience.
"Nice park. While we were there, the Chinese Lantern Festival was going on. What an amazing activity. It was spectacular during the day. I can only imagine how awesome it would be at night with it lit up! There are so many interactive displays that only work at night. I think it would have been fun but we only had one day in Philly. They do it every summer, so will be sure to plan for it next time we are there."
Jana Patterson
"Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philly is truly a magical experience! The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by breathtaking lantern displays that light up the night with vibrant colors and incredible detail. Each lantern tells a story, from majestic dragons to whimsical animals and cultural scenes—it feels like stepping into another world.
Beyond the lanterns, the festival has so much to offer: live performances, cultural demonstrations, delicious food vendors, and fun activities for all ages. It’s not just a visual feast, but also a celebration of Chinese culture and artistry.
Whether you’re going with family, friends, or on a date, this festival is the perfect mix of beauty, culture, and entertainment. It’s one of those events that leaves you with lasting memories and a camera roll full of stunning photos.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-see event in Philly—don’t miss it next year —❤️"
Maria G
"Also visited during the Chinese Lantern Festival. We had a great time. All the food vendors were fantastic. Highly recommend the Tidal Tea in the beer garden. Definitely get tickets near the evening time or sundown"
Matt P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Franklin Square is accessible via public transportation. The PATCO Franklin Square station is conveniently located within the park.
If driving, parking options are available nearby, though they can be limited during peak events like the Chinese Lantern Festival.The walk from the PATCO Franklin Square station to nearby venues like the Franklin Music Hall is generally considered pleasant and safe, even at night, according to recent visitor experiences.
The PATCO train is a direct and efficient way to reach Franklin Square from Center City Philadelphia. It's a short ride and drops you right at the park.
Yes, there are parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of Franklin Square. However, during popular events like the Chinese Lantern Festival, parking can become scarce and more expensive.
While not directly adjacent, Franklin Square is a relatively short walk from the White House area, making it an accessible destination for those exploring downtown Philadelphia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Chinese Lantern Festival can vary, with some reviews suggesting around $28 per person for the full evening experience.
It's important to check the official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for popular dates.While the park itself may be accessible for free during the day, the illuminated Chinese Lantern Festival requires a ticket for entry after a certain time, typically around 5 PM.
Daytime access before 5 PM is often free and a great option for families.Franklin Square's general hours are typically from dawn until dusk for the park itself. However, specific attractions like the Chinese Lantern Festival or mini-golf have their own operating hours, which vary by season and event.
Yes, there is a fee to play mini-golf at Franklin Square. It's a popular activity, and you can often purchase tickets on-site or as part of a package deal.
Outside food and drinks may be restricted during special events like the Chinese Lantern Festival. It's best to check the specific event's policies. However, there are food vendors available within the park.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Franklin Square offers a variety of activities including a classic carousel, mini-golf (with a spooky Halloween theme in October), and during the summer, the spectacular Chinese Lantern Festival.
Absolutely! Franklin Square is very kid-friendly, with attractions like the carousel and the non-scary Spooky Mini Golf. The Chinese Lantern Festival also offers interactive displays that children enjoy.
At night, Franklin Square truly comes alive, especially during the Chinese Lantern Festival, which features stunning illuminated displays and fountain shows.
The park's historic fountain also offers a magical ambiance when lit.Yes, the Chinese Lantern Festival often features live stage shows with talented artists.
The park's central location also makes it a venue for various community events and performances throughout the year.To fully experience the Chinese Lantern Festival, allow ample time to walk around and explore each display. Some lanterns are interactive, and there are explanations of their cultural significance.
The fountain show with music is also a must-see.🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Franklin Square has dining options like Square Burger, known for its chicken tenders and waffle fries.
During the Chinese Lantern Festival, numerous food vendors offer a variety of cuisines. Nearby, you can find Greek food at Greek Brothers and Italian at Filomena's.The Chinese Lantern Festival typically features a diverse range of food vendors offering various cuisines, making it a culinary adventure alongside the visual spectacle.
While specific menus can change, food vendors at events like the Lantern Festival often provide diverse options. Square Burger may have sides, and other vendors could offer vegetarian dishes.
Yes, there is a beer garden at Franklin Square, which is often part of the Chinese Lantern Festival experience and offers a place to relax and enjoy refreshments.
Greek Brothers in Franklin Square is highly recommended for its authentic Greek food, including gyros, spinach pie, gigantes, falafel, and spicy feta.
📸 📸 Photography
The Chinese Lantern Festival offers unparalleled photo opportunities with its vibrant, illuminated displays.
The historic fountain, especially at night, also provides a picturesque backdrop.The most dramatic and colorful photos of the Chinese Lantern Festival are taken after sunset when the lanterns are fully illuminated.
Capturing the transition from dusk to night can also yield stunning results.Drone usage may be restricted in public parks and during events. It's advisable to check local regulations and park policies regarding drone photography before flying.
A camera with good low-light performance is recommended for the Lantern Festival. A tripod can be helpful for capturing sharp, long-exposure shots of the illuminated displays.
Many visitors highlight the massive lanterns in the fountain and the lantern archways as particularly photogenic spots.
Exploring the entire festival grounds will reveal numerous unique and beautiful displays to capture.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Chinese Lantern Festival
Beyond the visual feast, the festival offers a rich cultural experience. Attendees can enjoy live performances, traditional demonstrations, and a variety of food vendors offering diverse culinary delights. The festival's centerpiece is often the stunning lantern display over the park's historic fountain, which is accompanied by a captivating water and music show. While daytime entry might be free, the true magic unfolds at night, requiring a ticket for entry. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Many visitors find the festival to be a worthwhile investment, describing it as a 'magical experience' and 'worth every dollar.' It's an ideal outing for families, couples, and anyone looking for a unique and memorable evening. The sheer scale and artistry of the lanterns, combined with the engaging performances and food, make it a standout event in Philadelphia's summer calendar.
Franklin Square: A Year-Round Destination
For those seeking a bit of friendly competition, mini-golf is a popular attraction. During the fall, this attraction gets a spooky makeover, transforming into Spooky Mini Golf for the Halloween season, making it a perfect family-friendly activity for October. The park is also home to Square Burger, a casual eatery known for its delicious chicken tenders and waffle fries, making it a convenient spot for a quick bite.
Franklin Square's accessibility, with the PATCO station located directly within the park, makes it an easy destination to reach. Its central location also makes it a hub for various community events and a pleasant place to stroll, especially when illuminated at night. Whether you're visiting for a specific event or just looking for a pleasant urban oasis, Franklin Square offers a range of activities to enjoy.
Culinary Delights in Franklin Square
For those craving Italian fare, Filomena's in Franklin Square offers homemade pasta, including their signature Orecchiette, promising a delicious and authentic Italian dining experience. If you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal within the park itself, Square Burger is a popular choice, praised for its great chicken tenders and waffle fries.
During the summer months, the Chinese Lantern Festival transforms Franklin Square into a temporary culinary hub, with numerous food vendors offering a wide array of international and local flavors. Visitors have reported enjoying everything from pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory to unique drinks at the beer garden. The variety ensures there's something to please every palate.
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