There’s something truly magical about the Lantern Festival. The sight of hundreds or even thousands of glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky or floating on water is breathtaking. These festivals are more than just beautiful—they carry deep cultural and spiritual meanings from wishes for good luck to celebrating new beginnings.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing this magical sight, here are some of the best Lantern Festivals around the world that you must visit!
“Travel like a lantern—rising high, glowing bright”
1. Yi Peng & Loy Krathong – Thailand
Thailand is home to one of the most famous Lantern Festivals in the world—Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Every November, the city of Chiang Mai is lit up with thousands of glowing lanterns floating into the sky, creating a breathtaking scene.
- Yi Peng is the festival of sky lanterns, where people release paper lanterns into the air, symbolizing letting go of misfortunes.
- Loy Krathong is a water lantern festival where people float small decorated boats with candles on rivers and lakes.
Best Places to Experience It:
- Chiang Mai (especially near Nawarat Bridge and Three Kings Monument)
- Sukhothai Historical Park
Travel Tips:
- Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Use eco-friendly lanterns to respect the environment.
2. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – Taiwan
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan is a must-see event held every February. People gather in the small town of Pingxi to release sky lanterns decorated with their wishes and prayers.
What Makes It Special:
- The sky fills with thousands of glowing lanterns carrying people’s hopes for the year ahead.
- This tradition dates back to ancient times when lanterns were used to send messages.
How to Get There:
- Take a train from Taipei to Pingxi (about a 1-hour journey).
3. Hoi An Lantern Festival – Vietnam
Unlike other festivals that happen once a year, the Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam takes place every full moon! The ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a glowing paradise with colorful lanterns hanging from every street.
What to Do:
- Release a floating candle lantern on the Thu Bon River.
- Walk through the lantern-lit streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
4. Nagasaki Lantern Festival – Japan
Originally a Chinese New Year celebration, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival in Japan has grown into a grand festival filled with thousands of red and gold lanterns, dragon dances, and fireworks.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late January to early February
Must-See Attractions:
- Chinatown in Nagasaki, is beautifully decorated with lanterns
- The massive illuminated sculptures of dragons and zodiac animals
5. Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival – South Korea
The Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival is a unique event held every October in South Korea. Originally, it was a tribute to soldiers who defended Jinju Fortress, but today, it has become one of the most stunning Lantern Festivals in the world.
Highlights:
- Floating lanterns on the Namgang River
- Large-scale lantern displays representing different cultures
6. Diwali – India
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is India’s grandest celebration. While it’s not a Lantern Festival in the traditional sense, millions of lamps (diyas) and floating lanterns light up homes, streets, and rivers.
Best Cities to Celebrate:
- Varanasi – Experience thousands of diyas floating on the Ganges River.
- Jaipur – The city’s palaces and forts are decorated with lights.
- Amritsar – The Golden Temple glows with thousands of lamps.
7. Chinese Lantern Festival – China
The Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. People gather to admire beautifully crafted lanterns, solve riddles written on them, and enjoy traditional performances.
Top Places to Experience It:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Nanjing
Unique Traditions:
- Eating Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) for good luck
- Watching dragon and lion dances
Lantern Festivals Experience
Experiencing a Lantern Festivals is truly magical. Whether it’s watching lanterns float into the sky in Thailand, releasing a wish-filled lantern in Taiwan, or witnessing the grand celebrations in China, these festivals offer unforgettable moments.
So, which Lantern Festivals would you love to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
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