Lan Su Chinese Garden is delighted to usher in the Year of the Horse with the return of one of Portland’s most enchanting winter traditions: Lantern Viewing Evenings. From February 18 through March 8, 2026, the garden will glow with radiant lantern sculptures, lively dragon dances, soothing musical performances, and an all-new projection-mapping light show that celebrates the energy and renewal of Lunar New Year.

To help early planners—and anyone looking for a meaningful holiday gift—Holiday Early Bird tickets go on sale December 10, 2025. These limited tickets provide first access to Lantern Viewing Dragon + Light Show Nights, our most dynamic evening experience. Tickets for Music + Lantern Viewing Evenings will be available to the public beginning January 2, 2026.

“As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, we’re embracing themes of strength, freedom, vitality, and perseverance,” shares Venus Sun, Lan Su’s Vice President of Culture & Community. “In Chinese culture, the horse inspires forward movement and uplifting momentum—galloping into the new year with optimism and bold spirit.” This powerful symbolism is woven throughout the 2026 Lantern Viewing Evenings, highlighting energy, motion, and the vibrant renewal of spring.

Lantern Viewing Dragon + Light Show Nights

Photo by Aileen Sheedy

Step into Lan Su’s most spectacular nighttime series. Wander through a luminous landscape of handcrafted lanterns from China, then gather for The Twelve Zodiac Animals, a stunning projection-mapping light show created in partnership with Noble Robot. The evening crescendos with an illuminated Dragon Dance performed by Portland Lee’s Association, winding through the garden in a dazzling celebration of culture and tradition.

Entry times are offered at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on Wednesdays through Sundays, February 18–March 1, 2026.

Photo by Dylan Evanston

Tickets begin at special discounted rates for Lan Su members, children, and EBT cardholders, with standard pricing up to $32.95. Visitors can also take advantage of the Day & Night Garden Experience Package for $39.95—a bundled option that offers up to 20% savings for those wishing to enjoy both daytime and evening Lunar New Year festivities.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly. To learn more or reserve your spot, visit lansugarden.org/lanternviewing.