Lantern Festival 2025
Last Updated on January 11, 2025
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival & Chinese New Year
13 – 16 FEB 2025
In Auckland, our Lantern Festival has become not just a celebration of Chinese culture, but a symbol of our city’s multicultural spirit and a bridge between traditional and contemporary Asian-Kiwi identity.
2025 (February 10, 2025 – January 29, 2026) is indeed the Year of the Snake, specifically the Wood Snake year. The Snake represents wisdom, elegance, and transformation in Chinese zodiac. The Wood element in 2025 is said to bring flexibility and growth, making it a year of thoughtful progress and renewal.
Festival Hours & Best Times to Visit
| Day | Opening Hours | Crowd Level | Insider Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Moderate | Perfect for a relaxed first look – catch the sunset and opening ceremony |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Busy | Amazing after-work vibe with top-notch performances |
| Saturday | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Very Busy | Come early for workshops, stay late for the spectacular light shows |
| Sunday | 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Busy-Moderate | Family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a lazy Sunday exploration |
Making Your Way There (Without the Stress!)
Let’s be honest – parking at the Domain during the lantern festival is about as fun as waiting for a bus in Auckland rain. Here’s how the locals do it:
Smart Transport Choices
| Option | The Inside Scoop | Frequency | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Festival Shuttle | Free from Britomart | Every 10 mins until late | The absolute easiest option – just follow the crowd! |
| Train to Grafton | $3.48 with HOP | Every 10-15 mins | Quick 8-min walk through lit pathways to festival |
| Inner Link Bus | $2.50 with HOP | Every 15 mins | Hop off at Museum stop – you can’t miss it |
What’s New in 2025?
This year’s festival is bigger than ever with some exciting additions:
- A massive new 12-meter dragon lantern (your next Instagram moment sorted!)
- Interactive light installations you can control with your smartphone
- Auckland’s largest-ever collection of traditional hand-painted lanterns
- A dedicated “Future Zone” featuring Kiwi-Chinese fusion art
Lantern Festival Food Trail Guide (Come Hungry!)
Must-Try Zones
| Zone | What’s Special | Budget | Peak Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Food Alley | Hand-pulled noodles made fresh | $8-15 | 6-8 PM |
| Dumpling District | 20+ varieties from different regions | $6-12 | 7-9 PM |
| Sweet Street | Modern Asian desserts & bubble tea | $5-10 | All evening |
| Fusion Corner | Chinese-Kiwi fusion creations | $10-18 | 5-7 PM |
Beyond the Lights – Interactive Experiences
Daily Workshop Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM* | Lantern Making | Kids Zone | $5 |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM* | Calligraphy | Cultural Corner | Free |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Tea Ceremonies | Garden Pavilion | $10 |
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Mahjong Lessons | Games Area | Free |
| *Weekend only |
Pro Tips from a Local
- Thursday opening night at the lantern festival is magical but don’t tell too many people – it’s our best-kept secret for avoiding crowds
- The best photo spots are near the Museum steps around 8:30 PM when the lights reflect off the building
- Bring a picnic blanket and camp out on the hill near the band rotunda – perfect view of everything
- Hidden food gem: look for the stall with the longest queue of Chinese grandmas – that’s where the good stuff is!
Money Matters at the Lantern Festival
| Vendor Type | Payment Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Food Stalls | Cash/EFTPOS | Bring cash as backup |
| Craft Market | Most take cards | Some special deals for cash |
| Workshops | Cash preferred | Small notes recommended |
Weather Watch & What to Bring
February in Auckland means anything could happen! Here’s your essential checklist:
- Light rain jacket (those evening showers love to surprise us)
- Portable fan (it can get surprisingly warm in the food areas)
- Water bottle (refill stations are near the Museum and main entrance)
- Comfy shoes (you’ll be walking more than you think)
- Cash (while most vendors take cards, cash queues move faster)
The Story Behind the Magic
Remember when the festival started back in 2000? Just a few lanterns in Albert Park and look at it now! This year’s festival features over 800 handcrafted lanterns, many made by the same families who’ve been creating them for generations. Each lantern takes between 4-6 weeks to make, and some of the larger pieces require up to 12 artisans working together.
Performance Schedule – Where the Magic Happens
Get ready for the most diverse lineup we’ve ever had!
Main Stage Highlights
| Time | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Traditional Drum Opening | Modern K-pop Dance | Family Lion Dance | Community Groups |
| 6:30 PM | Auckland Chinese Choir | Street Dance Battle | Opera Showcase | Martial Arts Display |
| 8:00 PM | Light Up Ceremony | Fire Dance Show | Cultural Fusion Night | Classical Music |
| 9:30 PM | Grand Finale Show | DJ Light Party | Lantern Parade | Closing Ceremony |
Garden Stage (NEW!)
Just behind the Museum, this intimate space features:
- Acoustic performances
- Poetry readings
- Traditional instrument demonstrations
- Youth performances
Family Zone – Keep the Little Ones Entertained
Kids’ Workshop Schedule
| Time | Activity | Age Group | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:30 PM* | Mini Lantern Making | 5-8 years | $5 |
| 4:00 PM* | Chinese Paper Cutting | 7+ years | Free |
| 5:00 PM | Face Painting | All ages | $3 |
| 6:00 PM | Story Time & Puppets | 3-10 years | Free |
| *Weekend sessions only |
The Not-So-Secret Food Guide
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Where to Find | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Dumplings | Naturally colored, Insta-worthy | Stall 12 | $12 |
| Black Truffle Bao | Modern twist on a classic | Stall 45 | $8 |
| Dragon’s Breath Noodles | Signature spicy dish | Stall 28 | $15 |
| Golden Custard Puffs | Grandma’s recipe | Stall 7 | $6 |
Local’s Guide to the Best Experience
Perfect Timing
- 3:00-5:00 PM (Weekends): Best for families with kids
- 5:00-7:00 PM: Prime time for food stalls without massive queues
- 7:00-8:30 PM: Peak festival atmosphere
- 8:30-10:30 PM: Best lighting for photos
- After 10:00 PM: More relaxed vibe, perfect for night owls
Hidden Gems
- The secret seating area behind the Wintergardens
- The craft market’s “lucky dip” stall (amazing value!)
- The bubble tea stand that does UFO-shaped light-up cups
- The mini meditation garden with traditional music
Survival Guide for Festival Veterans
Quick Tips
- Download the festival map beforehand here.
- Bring portable charger – you’ll take more photos than you think
- Meet friends at the big red lantern – not “somewhere near the food stalls”
If It Rains…
| Location | Wet Weather Activity |
|---|---|
| Museum Steps | Covered performances |
| Wintergardens | Indoor exhibitions |
| Market Hall | Craft workshops |
| Food Court | Covered seating |
Making Memories
Great photo opportunities:
- Giant zodiac lanterns at dusk
- Light tunnel near the duck pond
- Traditional costume photo booth
- Panoramic city views from the hill
- Interactive light installations
Beyond the Festival
Want to keep the Chinese New Year celebrations going? Check out these related events:
- Dominion Road Food Festival (following weekend)
- Chinese Classical Garden tours
- MOTAT’s special Chinese Innovation exhibition
- Auckland Museum’s Chinese Heritage Collection (special display during festival)
Remember, this is more than just a festival – it’s Auckland’s way of celebrating our Chinese community and the incredible cultural diversity that makes our city special. Every lantern tells a story, every performance shares a tradition, and every bite of food carries generations of flavor. Don’t just visit – be part of the story!
Related: Takapuna Winter Lights
