Lantern Festival 2025 will be celebrated on February 12th in various locations worldwide. This traditional Chinese festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations with colorful lantern displays, cultural performances, and special foods.
Key dates and cities include:
- China: Nationwide celebrations on February 12th, 2025, with major events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
- Taiwan: Taoyuan City from February 12th to 23rd, 2025.
- Hong Kong: Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival from February 7th to 12th, 2025.
- Singapore: Light to Night Festival from January 17th to February 6th, 2025.
- United States: New York City hosts multiple events, including the Tianyu Lights Festival (November 29, 2024–January 19, 2025) and festivals at Queens Botanical Garden and Snug Harbor Botanical Garden. San Francisco’s Floating Lantern Festival is on July 19, 2025.
- Australia: Sydney Water Lantern Festival on March 7, 2025, and Mansfield Lantern Festival in Victoria on June 21, 2025.
- New Zealand: Auckland Lantern Festival from February 13th to 16th, 2025.
- Vietnam: Monthly celebrations in Hoi An throughout 2025, with key dates on January 13th, February 11th, and March 13th
What is the Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the final day of Chinese New Year festivities and honors deceased ancestors. During this festival, people display colorful lanterns, solve riddles written on lanterns, enjoy traditional foods, and participate in various cultural activities.
The festival has a long history dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). It began as a Buddhist celebration but was later adopted by the general population and spread throughout China and other parts of Asia. Today, the Lantern Festival is celebrated in many countries with significant Chinese populations.
Significance of the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival holds great cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the reunion of family, the brightness of life and hope, and the pursuit of freedom and happiness. The round shape of the lanterns and the glutinous rice balls eaten during the festival represent unity and wholeness within the family.
For many, the festival is a time for reflection, letting go of the past, and welcoming new beginnings. The act of releasing lanterns into the sky or onto water is often seen as a way to send wishes and prayers to the heavens.
Lantern Festival 2025 Dates and Locations
The Lantern Festival 2025 will be celebrated on February 12th in many parts of the world. However, some locations may hold events on different dates or for extended periods. Here are some notable Lantern Festival celebrations for 2025:
China
In China, the birthplace of the Lantern Festival, celebrations will be held nationwide on February 12th, 2025. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu will host large-scale lantern displays and cultural events.
Taiwan
The Taiwan Lantern Festival 2025 will be hosted by Taoyuan City from February 12th to 23rd, 2025. The main event will be held near the Taoyuan High Speed Rail (HSR) station, easily accessible from Taipei in just 20 minutes.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong will celebrate the Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival from February 7th to 12th, 2025. The main events will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Singapore
The Light to Night Festival 2025 will take place at the National Gallery and Civic District in Singapore from January 17 to February 6, 2025. The festival will feature light shows, artworks, and performances.
United States
Several cities in the United States host Lantern Festival celebrations, including:
- New York City: Multiple lantern festivals will be held in 2025:
- Tianyu Lights Festival: November 29, 2024–January 19, 2025 at Citi Field Lot E & F, Queens
- Luminosa: A Festival of Lights at Queens Botanical Garden, featuring larger-than-life lanterns, performers, food, and beverages
- Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor Botanical Garden on Staten Island, featuring lantern sculptures and live performances
- San Francisco: The Floating Lantern Festival will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 6:30–9:30 PM at the Soto Mission of San Francisco, Sokoji.
Australia
- Sydney: Two lantern-related events will take place in Sydney in 2025:
- The Sydney Lunar Festival will celebrate the Year of the Snake
- The Sydney Water Lantern Festival will be held on March 7, 2025
- Melbourne: The Mansfield Lantern Festival will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Mansfield, Victoria. This festival is a celebration of the Winter Solstice.
New Zealand
The Auckland Lantern Festival 2025 will be held from February 13th to 16th, 2025, at the Manukau Sports Bowl.
Vietnam
The Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam offers a monthly celebration of light and culture in 2025, occurring on the 14th day of each lunar month in Hoi An’s Old Town. Key dates include January 13th, February 11th, and March 13th, with the festival continuing throughout the year.
Starting around 8 PM, the town’s electric lights are turned off, and thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and the Thu Bon River. Visitors can purchase and release floating lanterns on the river, a tradition believed to bring good luck.
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Traditional Lantern Festival Activities
The Lantern Festival involves various traditional activities that have been practiced for centuries. These activities not only provide entertainment but also help preserve and promote Chinese culture.
Lantern Displays and Appreciation
The most iconic aspect of the Lantern Festival is the display of colorful lanterns. These lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, often depicting animals, flowers, or scenes from Chinese mythology. In modern celebrations, lantern displays have become increasingly elaborate, incorporating advanced lighting technologies and even interactive elements.
Lantern Riddles
Solving lantern riddles is a popular activity during the festival. Riddles are written on strips of paper and attached to lanterns. People try to solve these riddles, which often involve wordplay or require knowledge of Chinese culture and history. This tradition dates back to the Song dynasty and is seen as a fun and interactive way to engage with Chinese language and culture.
Traditional Foods
Food plays an important role in Lantern Festival celebrations. The most popular dish is yuanxiao or tangyuan, small glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savory fillings. These round dumplings symbolize family unity and completeness. Other traditional foods may include sweet rice cakes, dumplings, and fruit.
Cultural Performances
Many Lantern Festival celebrations include traditional cultural performances such as dragon and lion dances, acrobatics, and folk music concerts. These performances showcase Chinese cultural heritage and add to the festive atmosphere.
Lantern Releasing
In some areas, people release sky lanterns or float water lanterns as part of the celebrations. This practice is believed to bring good luck and symbolizes the release of worries and the sending of wishes to the heavens.
Planning Your Visit to the Lantern Festival 2025
If you’re planning to attend a Lantern Festival celebration in 2025, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Choose Your Location
Decide which Lantern Festival celebration you want to attend. Consider factors such as the scale of the event, ease of travel, and any specific attractions or performances you’re interested in.
Book Early
If you’re traveling to attend a Lantern Festival, book your accommodations and transportation well in advance. These events can attract large crowds, and prices may increase as the date approaches.
Check the Schedule
Most Lantern Festival celebrations include multiple events over several days. Check the schedule in advance to plan which activities you want to attend.
Dress Appropriately
February can be cold in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Dress warmly and comfortably, as you may be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Bring a Camera
The Lantern Festival offers many photo opportunities. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful lantern displays and cultural performances.
Try Local Foods
Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Lantern Festival foods, especially yuanxiao or tangyuan.
Learn Some Basic Phrases
If you’re traveling to a Chinese-speaking country, learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Be Respectful
Remember that the Lantern Festival is a cultural and spiritual event for many people. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Lantern Festival 2025?
The Lantern Festival 2025 will be celebrated on February 12th, 2025, which is the 15th day of the first lunar month.
How long does the Lantern Festival last?
Traditionally, the Lantern Festival is a one-day event. However, many modern celebrations extend over several days or even weeks.
What do people eat during the Lantern Festival?
The most traditional food is yuanxiao or tangyuan, which are sweet glutinous rice balls. Other foods may include dumplings, rice cakes, and fruit.
Can I make my own lantern for the festival?
Yes, many Lantern Festival celebrations include lantern-making workshops. You can also make lanterns at home using paper, bamboo, and LED lights.
Are lanterns safe for the environment?
Traditional sky lanterns and water lanterns can pose environmental risks. Many celebrations now use eco-friendly alternatives or have controlled releases with cleanup measures.
Do I need tickets to attend a Lantern Festival celebration?
This depends on the specific event. Many public celebrations are free, but some may require tickets, especially for special performances or exclusive viewing areas.
What should I wear to a Lantern Festival celebration?
Dress comfortably and warmly, as you may be spending time outdoors. Some people choose to wear traditional Chinese clothing to fully embrace the cultural experience.
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