Osmanthus Gardens Lantern Festival

2025 Osmanthus Gardens Lantern Festival

Sunday 6 April – Sunday 13 April
6pm – 9pm

Step into a realm of enchantment as Cornwall Park comes alive with the mesmerising glow of lanterns at the Osmanthus Gardens Lantern Festival!

Join us from Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 April for a week-long celebration that transcends cultural boundaries and ignites the spirit of togetherness.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Osmanthus Gardens, where the reflections of radiant lanterns dance upon the waters, and the trees come to life with a magical glow. Listen to the harmonious notes of classical music, creating an experience that has become an iconic tradition in Hastings. Special performances take place each evening. 

For eight enchanting evenings, from 6pm to 9pm, witness the transformation of Osmanthus Gardens into a magical wonderland. Explore illuminated pathways, marvel at sparkling grass, and be captivated by the ethereal beauty of traditional Chinese silk lanterns and large lotus lanterns gracefully floating on the garden's lake.

More than 125 paintings will be on display at this year’s Lantern Festival, bringing vibrancy and artistic flair to the event. Young high school artists from nine Chinese cities—Yixing, Mianyang, Shanwei, Dezhou, Guilin, Xianyang, Dunhuang, Chengde, and Shandong—enthusiastically accepted Councillor Watkins’ invitation to contribute their artwork. Their paintings showcase stunning depictions of their home cities, iconic landmarks, and traditional Chinese lanterns.

Renowned artists have also participated, contributing exquisite traditional works, while the well-known Peasant Farmers Painting Group from Shaanxi Province has sent a remarkable collection of prints that beautifully portray rural landscapes and the daily lives of peasant farmers. Thank you to HongKeLong Asian Grocery Store for their generous sponsorship of the exhibition.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration, where the magic of lights intertwines with the rich cultural heritage of Guilin and Hastings.

Thank you to Tūpore Infrastructure who have come on as new sponsors of the event. Adding to support from Pope Electrical, Green by Nature, HongKeLong Asian Food Store and Quest Hastings, this will help ensure this event can cater to the growing numbers of people visiting, and help keep it koha-entry.

Food trucks are on site each evening | Gold coin donation.

Special performances
Catch Jia Ling, a renowned Guzheng performer and educator will be performing from Wednesday to Saturday. Originally from China and based in Wellington, she has performed at top events like the Wellington Jazz Festival and New Zealand’s Parliament House. Jia also teaches at the China Cultural Center and Confucius Institute, inspiring award-winning students. In addition, two talented local high school musicians will be performing on stage on Sunday 6, Monday 7, Tuesday 8 April, and again on the final Sunday 13 April. Audiences can look forward to the artistry of Elizabeth Guo on keyboard and the enchanting violin melodies of Olivia Kee.

Entry Conditions - Please help us keep the event safe for everyone.
• No dogs permitted. Certified service dogs welcome.
• No alcohol permitted onsite.
• Ensure you remain on the pathways at all times.
• No touching the cables, lanterns or lights.
• No climbing the trees.
• Please do not touch the large inflatables.

View a map of the Osmanthus Gardens here

Event sponsors

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