Franklin Square

"The Franklin Square Christmas Light Show is an annual tradition that my girlfriend Sue and I attend every Christmas after a dinner out on the town! An active light show synchronized to music is a real treat to both young and old. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I believe everyone enjoys a light show of this magnitude. There is also a beautiful carousel for the enjoyment of the youngest in your family or for star-crossed lovers. You can even partake in a round of miniature golf decorated for the season at hand, along with Philadelphia landmarks. There is a refreshment stand with food, treats, and drinks. They even have gluten-free wraps! Another spot serves hot chocolate and warmed cider (you can even get them "spiked"). A smores making pit is on sight as well. Miniature Curling available to boot. And yes, a small building housing restrooms is on sight. Oh, BTW, the Christmas Light Show is FREE! All other activities have a varying charge. In addition to all this, benches are at your disposal."

"The Chinese Lantern festival is not to be missed. My partner and I came on a whim and it was immediately satisfying. We watched all the live performances — which were all equally enjoyable. We received dancing lessons from one of the incredible stage performers after the live sets ended, in the same room where a dumpling making/history class is held. The lanterns and all the adjacent design is breathtaking and impressive. Everything was worthy of our attention — except the mini golf. Take it or leave it, it’s mini golf. The food vendors were in general pricey, but reasonably good with being inside the event. And the crafts vendors were hit or miss with some really awesome wire art and trinkets, and some more irrelevant tourist-trappy stalls. Overall, again — not something to miss. If you haven’t seen this before you must."

"I went to Franklin Square to see the Chinese Lantern Festival during the day and play mini golf. Seeing the lanterns is free during the day, and it was not crowded at all. The lanterns were beautiful and I can't imagine how much prettier they would look at night. I highly recommend stopping by. The mini golf was $13 per adult. They had many iconic Philadelphia landmarks that gave the course a ton of character. Initially, we were stuck behind two families but the worker who gave us our clubs and balls mentioned that we can jump around and do the course in any order. It was a lot of fun and I recommend checking it out!"

"Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the mesmerizing Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, and I must say, it was an enchanting experience that left me awestruck. As I strolled through Franklin Square, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the ethereal glow of the lanterns. The festival transported me to a magical world, teeming with rich Chinese culture and traditions. Each lantern exhibit was a masterpiece in itself, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the talented artists behind them. From towering dragons to delicate lotus flowers, the attention to detail was simply astounding. What made the experience even more remarkable was the atmosphere of the festival. The soft music, the delightful aroma of traditional Chinese cuisine, and the warm smiles of the people around me created an ambiance that was both energetic and serene. As the day turned into dusk, the lanterns came alive, illuminating the night sky with their stunning beauty. It was a visual spectacle like no other, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and tranquility. Beyond the lantern exhibits, the festival also offered various cultural performances, adding to the overall charm and authenticity. Traditional dances, acrobatic displays, and live music brought an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the event. Overall, my visit to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all expectations. It was an opportunity to appreciate the intersection of art, culture, and tradition. I left feeling inspired and grateful for the chance to be part of such a captivating celebration. I would highly recommend anyone in the Philadelphia area to make it a point to visit this enchanting festival. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a true feast for the senses and an unforgettable journey into the heart of Chinese art and culture."