The Winter Lantern Festival returns to the Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., on Thursday, Nov. 19. The outdoor night walk will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m., with last entry at 9 p.m., and tickets are on sale now. The ticketing calendar runs from November into January 2027.

What visitors will see

The festival is a walking route lined with hundreds of handmade Chinese lanterns lit from inside by LEDs. Each lantern starts as a frame of steel wire wrapped in small pieces of silk cloth, and the organizers say some of the artisans who build them have more than 20 years of experience in the craft. Many of the pieces depict creatures and scenes drawn from folklore, and some move or change color.

Live performances take place in large tents on the grounds. This year's lineup includes an appearance by Jumpin' Jamie, a children's rock act. There is also an artisan tent and a merchandise shop, and food and drinks are sold on site (they are not included in the ticket). Seating is available along the way for anyone who needs a break. Most visitors spend about an hour on the route.

Tickets and prices

Tickets are sold through Fever, the company that produces the festival. Current prices, before a small booking fee, are:

  • Adult (13 and older): $24.99
  • Child (4 to 12): $17.99
  • Senior (65 and older) or military, with ID: $22.99
  • Family bundle, minimum of four tickets: $19.99 per person
  • Flex ticket with a Wish Jar: $31.99 for adults, $24.99 for children

Children under 3 get in free. Optional add-ons include a Wish Jar for $9, a magnet for $10 and a tote bag for $12.

Standard tickets are for a specific date and entry time. Date changes are allowed up to five hours before the ticket time, and tickets can be transferred to another person for free through the Fever app. There will be a box office at the farm, but the organizers advise buying ahead because nights can sell out. School groups, camps and groups of 15 or more can book through a separate group sales page.

The event runs rain or shine. It would only be rescheduled in the case of extreme weather.

About the farm

The Queens County Farm Museum sits on a 47-acre tract of farmland at the eastern edge of Queens, on the Glen Oaks and Floral Park border. The farm says it is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, and its land reflects about 300 years of agriculture in the city.

The centerpiece is the Adriance Farmhouse, first built as a three-room Dutch farmhouse in 1772. The house and the historic area around it trace the land's story from a colonial homestead to a truck farm that grew food for a growing city in the early 20th century. Restoration of the farmhouse was completed in 1986. Today the farm keeps livestock, an orchard, an apiary, an herb garden, planting fields, a vineyard and greenhouses, and it runs school programs, a farmstand and seasonal events. The museum is marking 50 years as a nonprofit.

Before the lanterns arrive, the farm is still running its fall season, including the Amazing Maize Maze, which it bills as the only corn maze in New York City, and Halloween on the Farm.

Getting there

The festival offers free parking at the farm. Without a car, the Q46 bus along Union Turnpike, the Q36 and the QM6 express bus all serve the area, according to the farm's directions.

Plan your visit

The Winter Lantern Festival opens Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. Hours are Thursdays through Sundays, 5 to 10 p.m., with last entry at 9 p.m. Adult tickets start at $24.99, child tickets at $17.99, and children under 3 are free. Tickets and available dates are on the festival's Queens page. Questions about the festival can go to info@winterlanternfestival.com, and questions about the farm to the museum at (718) 347-3276.

Sources