Welcome to the Wellington Chinese Lantern Festival!
Immerse yourself in a spectacular celebration of culture, light, and community.
The Wellington Chinese Lantern Festival is an annual beacon of cultural exchange, illuminating our city with the vibrant traditions of the Chinese Lantern Festival. As a dedicated community-driven charity organization, we are passionate about sharing this rich heritage and fostering stronger community bonds.
Discover the Magic of Previous Events
Step back in time and relive the enchanting moments from our past festivals. Each year, the Wellington Chinese Lantern Festival transforms our city into a mesmerizing wonderland of light, artistry, and joyful celebration.
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2025 Festival Highlights: A Symphony of Light & Culture
- Our most recent festival was a resounding success, drawing over 15,000 visitors. The Wellington Botanic Garden was brightly lit with dazzling lanterns hung from the tree tops with a monster Snake Lantern near the entrance. Lining Tinakori Road lanterns emerged as beacons from the darkness swaying in the wind. Intricate traditional designs mixed with whimsical contemporary creations. Attendees enjoyed captivating cultural performances over 2 days, including dynamic dragon dances, fearsome lion dances, graceful traditional Chinese music, martial arts demonstrations and a host of other Asian and Pacific performances. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious Asian cuisine from the food stalls. Interactive workshops where young visitors could learn lantern-making, Chinese Chess, Mahjong and weiqi were held just across the road in the Chinese Anglican Mission. Sponsors’ booths were greatly sought after with freebies for the children. Some lucky attendees snagged a plush snake cuddly which they proudly bore in their arms.
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2024 Festival Memories: A Journey Through Tradition
- The 2024 festival offered an unforgettable journey into Chinese traditions. Highlights included interactive workshops where visitors could learn lantern-making, calligraphy, and paper-cutting. Live performances showcased the elegance of classical Chinese dance and the power of traditional drumming. It was a truly memorable event that deepened cultural understanding and brought the Wellington community closer.
View Our Full Gallery of Previous Events 2025; 2024 - Relive the moments, see the smiles, and feel the glow!
Our Dedicated Partner Organizations
The success and grandeur of the Wellington Chinese Lantern Festival are a testament to the incredible collaborative spirit of numerous community organizations. Their unwavering dedication, resources, and volunteer efforts make this annual spectacle possible.
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Wellington Chinese Community Groups Trust: The Trust brings together some of New Zealand’s oldest Chinese community groups with its newest. Under the leadership of the Trustees (Wellington Chinese Association (1936), Tung Jung Association (1926), Seyip Association, NZ Wellington Association For Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China, China and New Zealand Business Council Inc, Wellington New Chinese Association) they are a primary organizer, tirelessly promoting Chinese culture, arts, and community engagement through various initiatives, including the festival.
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Wellington City Council: Providing venue management, and a deep commitment to fostering cultural diversity, the City Council is a vital partner in bringing the festival to life in the Botanic Garden.
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Local Chinese Associations & Community Groups: A network of passionate associations and groups contribute invaluable volunteer hours, cultural insights, traditional performances, and a strong connection to the local Chinese diaspora, enriching the festival’s authenticity.
Learn More About Our Valued Partners - Discover the institutions and groups that power our festival.
The Enduring History of the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuánxiāojié) is a profound and ancient Chinese tradition, marking the vibrant conclusion of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, its roots stretch back over 2,000 years, embodying hope, unity, and the dispelling of darkness.
Traditionally, the festival is a time for families to gather, admire beautifully crafted lanterns, solve intricate riddles often inscribed on them, and share delicious tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), symbolizing togetherness. The air resonates with the festive sounds of lion and dragon dances, believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. Each glowing lantern symbolizes brightness, happiness, and prosperity.
In Wellington, our Chinese Lantern Festival has blossomed into a cherished annual event, a vibrant bridge connecting cultures and illuminating lives. What began as a modest community gathering has flourished into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural highlights, drawing thousands to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of lanterns adorning the Botanic Garden.
Explore the Full Rich History - Uncover the ancient origins and modern evolution of this luminous tradition.
Partner with Us: Sponsor the Festival
Your generous support is the light that helps us bring the magic and grandeur of the Chinese Lantern Festival to Wellington each year. By partnering with us, your organization can showcase its commitment to cultural diversity, community enrichment, and a vibrant Wellington.
Sponsorship Tiers: Illuminate Our Future Together
We offer various sponsorship tiers designed to provide significant visibility and engagement opportunities for your brand:
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Platinum Tier: Our highest level of partnership, offering unparalleled brand visibility, prime placement across all festival marketing materials, exclusive event access, and bespoke promotional opportunities.
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Gold Tier: Prominent logo display on key festival assets, extensive media mentions, and VIP invitations to exclusive festival events.
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Silver Tier: Recognition with your logo on our official website and various event materials, alongside general admission tickets for your team or clients.
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Bronze Tier: Valued recognition on our website and in our community appreciation efforts, acknowledging your support for this beloved cultural event.
Connect With Us: Your Partnership Awaits
We warmly invite interested organizations and businesses to discuss how your support can make a profound impact. We are eager to tailor a sponsorship package that aligns with your philanthropic goals and marketing objectives.
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Email: jackng@jackng.co.nz
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Phone: (+64) 021 569 268
Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities - Let’s light up Wellington together!