The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, held over about two weeks around the Lunar New Year (late January to February), is the city’s most spectacular winter event, born from the Chinese New Year celebrations of Nagasaki’s Chinatown. During the festival some 15,000 red and multicoloured Chinese lanterns fill the streets, parks and river, bathing the whole city centre in a warm, festive glow after dark. Alongside them are huge illuminated figures and tableaux depicting Chinese legends and the zodiac, set up in the central plazas, plus nightly stage shows, lively dragon and lion dances, Chinese acrobatics and an emperor’s parade that fill the streets with music and colour. Food stalls sell Chinese and Nagasaki treats. Dazzling, atmospheric and warmly festive, the Lantern Festival draws huge crowds and is one of the best times of year to experience Nagasaki’s unique Chinese heritage.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nagasaki City / Chinatown |
| Hours | Lanterns lit into the evening |
| Admission | Free (some events vary) |
| Time needed | Evening; 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Lunar New Year (Jan–Feb) |
What to See
- Some 15,000 glowing lanterns across the city.
- Giant illuminated figures of Chinese legends and zodiac.
- Dragon and lion dances and an emperor’s parade.
- Food stalls of Chinese and Nagasaki treats.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Chinatown champon nearby.
- Pair with Sofukuji Temple close by.
- Read our Nagasaki overview .
Getting There
- By tram: to the Chinatown and central festival areas.
- On foot: the festival spreads across the city centre.
Tips
Come in the evening when the lanterns are lit for the most magical atmosphere, and check the schedule for the dragon dances, stage shows and emperor’s parade so you can catch them. It’s cold and very crowded, so dress warmly and be patient in the crowds, and combine it with a warming bowl of champon in Chinatown.
