There’s something truly magical about lantern festivals—the glow of lights illuminating the night, filling the sky with a warm, dreamlike aura. If you’re a traveler at heart or someone who loves experiencing unique cultures, attending a lantern festival is one for the bucket list. From floating river lanterns to sky-high light releases, here are some of the best places to soak up the beauty of these festivals.
1. Yi Peng and Loy Krathong – Chiang Mai, Thailand
This is where the sky meets the river in a double festival of light. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival, held in November, is famous for its iconic release of thousands of lanterns into the night sky, creating an enchanting glow above Chiang Mai. Alongside it, Loy Krathong celebrates with small, candle-lit floats released onto the river. Together, they’re a breathtaking sight as sky and water shimmer with warm, glowing lights. Don’t miss it if you’re visiting Thailand in November—it’s one of the world’s most awe-inspiring festivals.
2. Pingxi Lantern Festival – Taiwan
Taiwan’s Pingxi Lantern Festival is a magical blend of tradition and beauty. Held in February during the Lunar New Year, thousands gather in Pingxi to release sky lanterns, each one carrying a wish or prayer for the year ahead. Watching the night sky light up with soft, glowing orbs is like watching hope and dreams float above you. It’s easy to reach from Taipei, making it a must-see for anyone in Taiwan during the Lunar New Year.
3. Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination – Kuwana, Japan
If winter wonderlands are your thing, then Nabana no Sato’s lantern and illumination festival is a dream come true. Held from October through May, this event at the Nabana no Sato botanical garden in Kuwana creates stunning displays of LED lights and lanterns. The highlight? A beautiful tunnel of lights that seems to go on forever, surrounding you in soft, glowing colors. Each year, the theme changes, making it a place worth revisiting if you ever find yourself in Japan during the colder months.
4. Hội An Lantern Festival – Hoi An, Vietnam
Hội An’s monthly lantern festival feels like stepping back in time. Taking place on every full moon, this charming town in central Vietnam dims its electric lights and fills the streets and rivers with vibrant paper lanterns. Residents and visitors alike release candle-lit lanterns onto the river, creating a soft, serene glow throughout the town. This is the perfect spot for anyone looking to experience a more traditional lantern festival in a picturesque, old-world setting.
5. Diwali – Varanasi, India
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated throughout India, but Varanasi, along the banks of the River Ganges, offers a particularly stunning experience. While not a lantern festival per se, Diwali features millions of oil lamps and floating candles illuminating the ghats and the river, creating an incredible display. Lanterns are also often part of the festivities, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration. It’s a unique blend of spirituality and festivity that you won’t find anywhere else.
6. Chinese New Year Lantern Festival – Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is filled with excitement and tradition. Victoria Park becomes a massive display of lantern art installations, dragon dances, and cultural performances. Traditional paper lanterns fill the area, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. With the city skyline as a backdrop, the festival is a perfect way to experience Chinese New Year traditions in a modern, bustling city.
7. Sky Lantern Festival – Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
New Mexico’s Sky Lantern Festival brings a touch of Asian lantern culture to the American Southwest. Though not tied to a specific date, these events are scheduled throughout the year and feature thousands of lanterns filling the sky. Set against New Mexico’s wide-open, desert sky, this festival gives you a chance to experience the beauty of lantern festivals without going far from home if you’re in the United States.
8. Seoul Lantern Festival – Seoul, South Korea
Held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul every November, this festival features large, intricate lanterns that depict everything from traditional Korean art to scenes of popular culture. It’s a bit different from other lantern festivals as the lanterns aren’t released into the air or water but are instead displayed along the stream, creating an illuminated walkway through the heart of Seoul. It’s a wonderful way to experience Korean culture and enjoy a beautiful stroll through the city.
Whether you’re in search of adventure, a beautiful cultural experience, or just something magical, a lantern festival offers it all. Each destination has its own unique twist, making each festival a one-of-a-kind experience. So, pack your bags, bring your camera, and prepare to be captivated by the glow of these magical events!
