Mays Landing Water Lantern Festival Lights Up Lake Lenape Park East Tonight
New Jersey residents and visitors are in for a magical evening as the Mays Landing Water Lantern Festival returns to Lake Lenape Park East on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This popular autumn event transforms the lake into a shimmering canvas of light as attendees release personalized floating lanterns, creating a breathtaking spectacle over the water. The festival combines artistry, community spirit, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a must-visit event in the region.
The festival begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m., culminating in the main lantern launch at sunset, which is expected between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to explore the full range of activities. The event features food trucks serving local favorites, live music performances, interactive games, and local artisan vendors offering unique products. Guests can also enjoy a themed scavenger hunt and browse merchandise booths throughout the evening.
Each general admission ticket includes an entry wristband, one floating lantern kit complete with a marker and LED candle, and interactive playing and conversation cards to enhance the communal experience. The festival has carefully designed its lanterns using wood and rice paper to ensure sustainability, and a dedicated cleanup crew retrieves every lantern after the event to minimize environmental impact. Attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets, chairs, and food, but outside lanterns are not permitted. The Mays Landing festival is family-friendly and alcohol-free, with children aged eight and under admitted for free, though they do not receive a lantern.
Netcong Recreation Lantern Festival
- What: A community floating lantern festival, similar to the one in Mays Landing.
- Where: Arbolino Park, Netcong.
- When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at 6 p.m..
- How to attend: Organizers are asking people to RSVP on their Facebook event page so they can estimate how many lanterns to order.
Lantern Festival 2025
- What: Hosted by AAPI New Jersey, this free event focuses on culture and community.
- Where: Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair.
- When: Saturday, May 17, 2025.
- Cost: Free and open to the public.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival
- What: A festival celebrating Chinese culture with an exhibit of 15 handmade lanterns, lantern-making workshops, and live performances.
- Where: Bridgewater Commons shopping center.
- When: Information for 2025 is not yet available, but it is typically held in the autumn to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Things to consider
For those who want to experience more of New Jersey’s glowing lantern events, several other festivals take place throughout the state. The Netcong Recreation Lantern Festival at Arbolino Park in Netcong will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m., offering a similar floating lantern experience. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help organizers estimate lantern quantities. In Montclair, the Lantern Festival 2025, hosted by AAPI New Jersey on May 17, highlighted cultural storytelling and community engagement through free lantern-making workshops. Bridgewater Commons shopping center has also hosted the Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, featuring handmade lantern displays, cultural performances, and workshops designed to celebrate Chinese heritage.
Check the specific event details: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including schedules and ticket prices, it’s best to check the websites of the event organizers or host venues.
Not all lantern festivals are the same: While similar, the festivals differ in their type (water, floating, or sky), organizers (e.g., commercial vs. community), and cultural focus (e.g., general vs. specific cultures).
The Mays Landing Water Lantern Festival stands out for its combination of scenic lake views, hands-on creativity, and eco-conscious design, offering a unique way to celebrate autumn evenings with friends and family. The event not only illuminates the water but also fosters a sense of community, making it a highlight of the Garden State’s fall entertainment calendar. Visitors looking for more local events and entertainment options across New Jersey can explore a full range of cultural happenings and seasonal festivals at Explore New Jersey Entertainment.
