Lanterns have always held a deeper significance beyond their radiant beauty. Originating in China’s Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 C.E.), they were initially used as both decorative lights and strategic military signals. Over time, their purpose shifted, becoming central to cultural and spiritual celebrations that continue to captivate hearts around the world.
The origins of lantern festivals are steeped in mystery and legend. One theory traces them back to the Han Dynasty, when Buddhist monks lit lanterns on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year to honor Buddha. This practice soon spread, with people adopting it to pay tribute to their ancestors. Another tale tells of the Jade Emperor, a key figure in Chinese mythology, who was deceived by villagers into thinking their homes were already burning—thanks to a clever display of lanterns and fireworks. This act of ingenuity not only saved the village but also birthed a tradition that endures to this day.
From Vietnam’s monthly full moon rituals to Hawaii’s poignant floating lantern ceremonies, these luminous festivals have traveled far and wide, each carrying its own unique story. Here are eight extraordinary lantern festivals that will illuminate your world and leave you in awe:
1. Full Moon Lantern Festival
Location: Hoi An, Vietnam
Dates for 2025: January 13, February 11, March 13, April 11, May 11, June 9, July 8, August 7, September 5, October 5, November 3, December 3
Every 14th day of the lunar month, Hoi An transforms into a sea of soft, glowing light. In keeping with Buddhist practices, locals pause to meditate, honor ancestors, and enjoy ritual observances under the full moon. As darkness falls, residents power down their lights, allowing the gentle radiance of lanterns to take center stage. Both visitors and locals release lanterns along the river, a gesture believed to invite joy and good health.
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2. Spring Lantern Festival
Location: Hong Kong and Mainland China
Date for 2025: February 12
Marking the conclusion of Chinese New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival heralds the arrival of spring and celebrates the bonds of family and community. Customs may differ from region to region, but common highlights include lighting intricate lanterns, solving riddles, savoring tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and enjoying vibrant lion dance performances. In Hong Kong, major festivities take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and along the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, while China stages its grandest celebrations near Nanjing’s historic Confucius Temple.
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3. Pingxi Lantern Festival
Location: Pingxi District, Taiwan
Date for 2025: February 12
In the scenic, mountainous Pingxi District—just an hour east of Taipei—residents welcome the first full moon of the Lunar New Year with heartfelt celebrations. Villagers in areas like Jingtong, Nanshan, and Shifen craft paper lanterns on which they scribble their wishes, then release them into the night sky. This enchanting ritual not only signals the end of the Chinese New Year but also symbolizes the hopeful embrace of a brighter future.
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4. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i
Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
When: Typically around Memorial Day (2025 dates to be announced)
On Ala Moana Beach each Memorial Day, thousands gather for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i—a serene ceremony organized by the international Buddhist community Shinnyo-en. Traditional performances and a heartfelt prayer led by Her Holiness Shinso Ito set the tone before participants release lanterns into the vast Pacific Ocean. These floating lights stand as symbols of remembrance, hope, and prosperity. (After the event, lanterns are collected, restored, and reused for future celebrations.)
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5. Yi Peng Festival
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Dates: November 15–16, 2024, and November 5–6, 2025
Northern Thailand comes alive during the Yi Peng Festival, with Chiang Mai hosting the most spectacular display. Rooted in Buddhist beliefs, participants release thousands of rice paper lanterns—known as khom loy—into the night sky, symbolically cleansing the spirit and dispelling misfortune. Originally a ritual reserved for monks, the festival now welcomes tourists through ticketed events, with prices ranging roughly from $140 to $460.
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6. Loi Krathong
Location: Throughout Thailand
Dates: November 15, 2024, and November 6, 2025
Coinciding with the Yi Peng Festival, Loi Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand as a festival of light. Instead of floating lanterns, revelers craft krathongs—small baskets made from banana leaves, filled with candles and incense—and set them adrift on water. This moving tribute occurs on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai calendar, with major events in cities like Bangkok, Sukhothai, and even Chiang Mai during the festival season.
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7. Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Dates for 2025: January 29–February 12
Nagasaki’s Lantern Festival, spanning the first 15 days of the Lunar New Year, is steeped in history. Originating with Chinese immigrants and officially celebrated since 1994, the event transforms Nagasaki’s Chinatown—Japan’s oldest—into a vibrant carnival of light. Over 15,000 lanterns illuminate the streets alongside dazzling lion and dragon dances, an imperial parade, and acrobatic displays. As you wander through the bustling Chinatown, be sure to sample local street treats such as roasted sweet potatoes and savory takoyaki.
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8. The Butter Lantern Festival
Location: Lhasa, Tibet
Date for 2025: March 14
The Butter Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, marks the grand finale of the Monlam Festival (Tibetan New Year). This unique celebration combines prayer, reflection, and a hearty feast featuring traditional treats like khapse (fried pastries), chang (barley wine), and dresil (sweet rice with yak butter). Lanterns fueled by clarified yak butter light up the night, while artists construct intricate statues from colored butter as acts of devotion. In Lhasa, the streets around Barkhor and the iconic Jokhang Temple come alive with dancing, singing, and even puppet shows, embodying the spirit of the festival.
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Each of these lantern festivals is a dazzling fusion of light, culture, and community spirit—a testament to humanity’s enduring desire to find beauty and hope in the darkness. Whether you’re planning to wander the illuminated alleys of Hoi An or marvel at the celestial release in Chiang Mai, these festivals promise to add a touch of magic to your life.
