O.C. Lantern Festival 2025

The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, takes place 15 days after the Lunar New Year—on the first full moon night in the lunar calendar—and marks the return of spring, representing the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.

This day-long festival includes:

• Music and Dance Performances by local community and professional groups and Pacific Symphony musicians
• Lantern Decorating
• Riddles
• Dragon Dance
• Photo Opportunities
• Food and more!

Join us as the concert hall lobby becomes transformed for the festivities with lanterns created by community members and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is opened up to the public for performances featuring local music and dance groups. You’ll have the opportunity to decorate your very own lantern, take in live music, try your hand at solving a riddle, take in cultural demonstrations and more!

Co-hosted by Pacific Symphony and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and presented in cooperation with Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Admission is FREE, but tickets are required.

New this year: FESTIVAL PASS ($50)

For the 2025 O.C. Lantern Festival, festival-goers have the option to purchase a festival pass which guarantees admission into the event and priority seating for the first performance segment, which is usually the busiest.

As a Festival Pass holder, you’re supporting community events like the O.C. Lantern Festival, helping keep this event free and accessible to the public. There are a limited quantity of festival passes available, so secure yours today!

Festival Pass benefits include:

• Guaranteed entry into the event for the first segment of the Festival (entry from 10 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.)
• Guaranteed general admission seating in the Orchestra level for the first segment of the Festival (11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.)
• Exclusive early entry into the lobby at 10 a.m. to get an early start on crafts and activities before the event opens to the general public
• One craft pass, valued at $15, included with admission

Each Festival Pass guarantees one individual admission and priority seating. Each party member (including children needing their own seats) must have their own Festival Passes for guaranteed admission and early entry. Babies do not need their own Festival Pass; however, they do need their own free ticket for admission.

Patron contact information will be shared with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center which is co-presenting this event.