Winter in New York brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city after dark, but few are as colorful as a walk surrounded by hundreds of glowing lanterns.
On Staten Island, the historic grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden are getting a seasonal makeover, with intricate illuminated sculptures inspired by Chinese mythology taking over the gardens.
What to expect at the Winter Lantern Festival
Running from November 19, 2026, through January 10, 2027, the Winter Lantern Festival combines centuries-old artistic traditions with live entertainment, food, and cultural performances. The festival invites you to explore an illuminated world filled with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and stories inspired by ancient Chinese legends.
The main attraction is, naturally, the lanterns! Hundreds of hand-crafted installations will light up the outdoor grounds, using vibrant LED lights to bring mythical creatures, cultural symbols, and scenes inspired by Chinese folklore to life. Each display tells its own story, offering a glimpse into traditional legends and lore.
19 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
Snug Harbor
But there’s more to the experience than illuminated sculptures, as live performances featuring award-winning acrobats from China are part of the show too (with gravity-defying stunts), as well as the traditional art of face-changing, a theatrical performance known for its astonishingly quick mask transformations.
Between displays, you can stop by local vendors serving food and drinks throughout the festival. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities along the route.
The history behind China’s traditional Lantern Festival
The event takes inspiration from a tradition that dates back more than 2,000 years. China’s Lantern Festival, or Yuanxiao Jie, takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, marking the end of Lunar New Year celebrations.
The custom is commonly traced to the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). One historical account credits Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty with encouraging people to light lanterns after learning that Buddhist monks used lamps to honor Buddha on this date.
Over time, the practice spread throughout the country and became a popular celebration featuring illuminated displays, riddles, and family gatherings.
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