Auckland Lantern Festival 2019

Overview

Celebrate 20 years of New Zealand's largest Chinese Festival with the 2019 Lantern Festival. This event returns to the Auckland Domain between Thursday, 14 – Sunday, 17 February.

2019 will see an opulent celebration of the Year of the Pig. The final astrological sign in the Chinese astrological calendar, those born in the Year of the Pig are diligent, compassionate and generous, The Lantern Festival stems from the belief that spirits could be spotted in the light of the first moon of the new year, so lanterns were employed to find them.

Punters can wander through the Domain admiring the cacophony of handmade lanterns made in all shapes, sizes and colours, be entertained by the slew of traditional and contemporary entertainment on offer from New Zealand and China, or eat their fill of authentic cuisine.

From face painting and karaoke to martial arts demonstrations, this event promises fun for the whole family. This immensely popular event can get a little crammed, so if you're not about that life, head to the Domain on 14 February for the Lantern Appreciation night. Please note there will be no stalls, live entertainment or food that night,