Lanterns don’t just light the night—they turn it into pure magic. As the air grows crisp and the evenings stretch longer, fall becomes the season where glowing colors dance against dark skies. From floating lanterns drifting across lakes to massive illuminated dragons standing tall in botanical gardens, these festivals transform ordinary nights into storybook scenes. Families, couples, and friends gather under the stars, watching as thousands of tiny flames or glowing sculptures bring warmth to chilly autumn evenings. There’s laughter, food, music, and that childlike sense of wonder we all secretly crave. Across the U.S., communities are keeping this ancient tradition alive in spectacular ways.
Whether you want to release your own lantern into the sky or stroll through acres of dazzling light displays, these 10 festivals prove that fall nights were made for glowing memories.
Autumn Glow Festival, Eureka / Brookdale Farms, Missouri
At Brookdale Farms in Missouri, the Autumn Glow Festival invites you to a luminous journey inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals. Imagine walking through a night adorned with hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, each telling its own tale of folklore and tradition. The festival is a perfect setting for both romantic and family outings.
Families stroll side by side, their faces lit by the warm glow of the lanterns, while couples share quiet moments under the illuminated sky. A tapestry of light and culture awaits, promising an unforgettable autumn evening for all who venture there.
Schenectady Autumn Glow, New York
In Schenectady, New York, the Autumn Glow Festival is more than just a display—it’s an experience. Thousands of vibrant Chinese-style lanterns line the streets, creating an immersive walk that captivates attendees of all ages. Each lantern holds a unique story, inviting you to learn about the culture behind the glow.
As you stroll, you’ll find photo opportunities at every turn, with the colorful lights reflecting in wide-eyed gazes. The festival’s charm lies in its ability to transform ordinary streets into pathways of wonder, inviting all to explore and dream.
Harvest Lantern Festival, Pocatello, Idaho
In Pocatello, Idaho, the Harvest Lantern Festival is a community celebration that brings people together to embrace the magic of fall. The event invites you to participate, offering lantern kits for those who wish to add their own light to the night.
Live music fills the air as food trucks line the streets, offering delicious bites to enhance the spirited atmosphere. Games and activities abound, making this festival a lively and engaging experience for all ages. Participants eagerly anticipate the moment when their handmade lanterns are lit, casting a warm glow across the night.
Water Lantern Festival — Various U.S. Locations
The Water Lantern Festival, held across various U.S. locations, offers a tranquil and reflective experience during the fall. As darkness descends, participants release floating lanterns onto a serene body of water, creating a mesmerizing visual of lights drifting across the surface.
This festival is often accompanied by live music and local vendors, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Families and friends gather along the shore, sharing stories and moments of reflection as they watch the lanterns’ gentle journey. The sight of the glowing lanterns creates a sense of unity and peace among attendees.
Spokane Chinese Lantern Festival, Washington
In Spokane, Washington, the Chinese Lantern Festival transforms the night with spectacular displays and cultural performances. Massive installations, crafted with precision and artistry, illuminate the park, each one a testament to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Visitors wander through a landscape of light, where performances and food stalls add layers of culture and flavor to the experience. As the sun sets, the dramatic lighting brings each installation to life, offering a dynamic backdrop for a memorable evening. This festival is a celebration of art, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of community.
Chinese Lantern Festival
Touring various zoo and garden locations, this Chinese Lantern Festival offers a unique blend of art and nature. Large lantern sculptures depicting animals and natural scenes captivate audiences, providing an engaging experience for visitors young and old.
Each location adds its own flair, with local flora enhancing the visual spectacle. Families meander through the paths, children wide-eyed at the illuminated creatures, while the adults appreciate the blend of tradition and creativity. This festival brings a touch of the exotic into familiar settings, making it a favorite for many.
Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Events, Portland (Lan Su Chinese Garden)
At the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon, the Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Events offer a celebration rich in culture and beauty. The garden becomes a canvas for lantern sculptures depicting rabbits and moon motifs, paying homage to traditional themes.
Cultural performances, crafts, and foods enrich the experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere in this stunning garden setting. As you wander through the illuminated paths, each lantern tells a story, connecting visitors to a rich cultural heritage. The festival is a harmonious blend of light and tradition, set against Portland’s urban backdrop.
Chinese Americans Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, Bridgewater, New Jersey
In Bridgewater, New Jersey, the Chinese Americans Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival is a community-organized event that showcases the beauty of tradition and togetherness. Lantern displays light up the night, accompanied by traditional performances that captivate audiences.
Food stalls offer a taste of Asian cuisine, inviting attendees to explore new flavors and enjoy familiar treats. The lantern parades are a highlight, where participants of all ages join in and celebrate the spirit of the festival. This event is a testament to cultural pride and community spirit, bringing people together under the glow of the lanterns.
Night Lights / Sky Lantern Release Events
Sky Lantern Release Events, held in various locations, offer a breathtaking spectacle as hundreds of lanterns ascend into the night sky. This communal event fosters a sense of connection among participants, each lantern carrying hopes and dreams upwards.
The atmosphere is filled with awe as people watch the lanterns float away, their glow diminishing into the distance. Music often accompanies the releases, heightening the emotional impact of the moment. Capturing the beauty of these events is a must, as the sight of lanterns against the starlit sky is truly magical.
Racine Zoo Chinese Lantern Festival, Wisconsin
At the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin, the Chinese Lantern Festival combines the wonder of wildlife with the art of Chinese lanterns. Large-scale lantern installations depict animals in stunning detail, transforming the zoo into a luminous landscape.
Families wander the grounds, enjoying the sight of familiar creatures reimagined in light. This festival offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, as visitors learn about the animals and the cultural significance of the lanterns. It’s a magical experience for children and adults alike, captivating all who attend with its radiant beauty.