Large Festivals in the US

Large Festivals in the US: Where Art, Culture, and Lanterns Light Up the Night

Across the United States, large festivals have become cultural milestones—drawing millions of visitors each year to celebrate music, food, holidays, and global traditions. In recent years, one visually stunning element has become increasingly common at these events: large-scale lantern displays.

Originally rooted in East Asian traditions, lantern festivals have found a new home in American cities, offering immersive light experiences that combine art, storytelling, and innovation. Below are some of the most iconic festivals in the US where lanterns take center stage.

1. The Rise of Lantern Art in American Festivals

As festival organizers seek fresh, family-friendly, and photo-worthy attractions, custom lantern installations have emerged as a powerful visual element. These illuminated sculptures create unforgettable environments—appealing to both children and adults, while extending visitor engagement into the evening hours.

Lanterns today go beyond cultural symbolism—they are artistic installations that blend tradition with technology, handcraft with large-scale impact.

2. Where Lanterns Shine Bright in US Festivals

Chinese Lantern Festival – Philadelphia

Held annually at Franklin Square, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival transforms the park into a glowing wonderland. Dozens of handcrafted lanterns—depicting dragons, pandas, lotus flowers, temples, and mythical beasts—light up the night. Each display is meticulously created using steel frames and colorful silk, illuminated by LED lights.

The festival also features traditional Chinese performances, acrobats, folk dances, authentic cuisine, and cultural crafts. It’s one of the most vibrant and visually rich events in the region, offering visitors a deep dive into Chinese culture through light and storytelling.

Lights of the World – Phoenix

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Lights of the World is one of the largest lantern festivals in North America, combining traditional Chinese lantern art with modern global themes. The event showcases:

• Underwater scenes with glowing fish
• Dinosaur parks
• Miniature world monuments
• Fairy tale characters

More than 10 million lights and over 75 lantern installations cover the venue. With the addition of carnival rides, live performances, food courts, and games, the festival becomes a full-scale, multicultural celebration—ideal for families and visitors of all ages.

Glow Gardens – Multiple Cities

Glow Gardens is a touring winter light festival that visits cities like Houston, Seattle, and Toronto. Focused on holiday magic and seasonal wonder, it features:

• Gigantic LED tunnels
• Interactive glowing sculptures
• Oversized floral lanterns
• Enchanted light forests

The event often includes Christmas-themed attractions, artisan markets, and live music. Unlike single-culture festivals, Glow Gardens is designed to be inclusive, festive, and highly Instagrammable. It’s a favorite among families looking for winter activities.

3. We Bring Lanterns to Life for Festivals Worldwide

As interest in lantern festivals continues to grow, so does the demand for custom-made lantern displays. Our company specializes in designing and producing large-scale illuminated sculptures, perfect for:

• City festivals
• Seasonal attractions
• Cultural celebrations
• Theme parks
• Private or corporate events

We offer:

• Full design-to-installation service
• Custom shapes, colors, and themes
• Weather-resistant materials for outdoor use
• LED lighting systems with low power consumption
• Safe, durable metal frames and professional packaging

Whether you’re planning a Chinese-themed lantern festival or adding light art to your existing event, our team can help you create an unforgettable experience.

Let’s Light Up Your Festival

From 4-foot pandas to 30-foot dragons, we’ve helped cities and organizations across the globe bring their events to life with high-impact, handcrafted lanterns.

Get in touch with us to discuss your ideas, timelines, and location—we’ll help you make your festival shine.