The phrase “the lantern festival” can refer to several different events and places, so the location depends on which one you mean. Here are the main possibilities people usually talk about:

1. Traditional Chinese Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao / Lantern Festival)

  • It is not just in one city: it is celebrated all across China and in many Chinese communities worldwide on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually February or March).
  • Major celebrations happen in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and many others, with lantern displays, dragon dances, and riddles.

If someone online just says “Lantern Festival” around Chinese New Year time, they often mean this traditional holiday rather than one single venue.

2. Taiwan Lantern Festival 2026

If you’re hearing about “the big Lantern Festival in Taiwan” this year:

  • The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival is being held in Taibao City, Chiayi County, Taiwan.
  • Official address: No. 1 Sianghe 1st Rd, East Section, Sianghe Sincun, Taibao City, Chiayi County 61249, Taiwan.

3. Taipei Lantern Festival 2026

If the discussion is specifically about Taipei:

  • The Taipei Lantern Festival 2026 is in Taipei City, Taiwan , with main areas at Expo Park and Ximen.

4. Auckland Lantern Festival (New Zealand)

If the context is New Zealand or “BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival”:

  • The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026 is at Manukau Sports Bowl, Auckland, New Zealand.

5. Yi Peng / Chiang Mai Lantern Festival (Thailand)

If you saw photos of thousands of floating sky lanterns in Thailand:

  • The Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 is in Chiang Mai, Thailand , at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna, Ban Saha Khon, Mae On District.

Quick view table

[2][8] [1] [9] [3] [5]
What people call it Where it is Country/Region
Traditional Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao) Multiple cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, across China) China and global Chinese communities
Taiwan Lantern Festival 2026 Taibao City, Chiayi County Taiwan
Taipei Lantern Festival 2026 Expo Park & Ximen, Taipei Taiwan
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026 Manukau Sports Bowl, Auckland New Zealand
Yi Peng / Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2026 CAD Cultural Center Lanna, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Thailand
If you tell me which country, city, or photo you’re referring to, I can narrow it down to the exact festival you’re asking about.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.