Winter Lantern Festival Snug Harbor 2026: Staten Island Dates & Tickets

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden on Staten Island’s North Shore hosts New York’s original Winter Lantern Festival. Its 83-acre campus of 19th-century buildings and gardens fills with more than a thousand handmade lanterns, from towering dragons to floral arches, plus live cultural performances.

For 2026–27 the festival runs on select evenings from November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027, and it pairs perfectly with a free Staten Island Ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty.

Quick Facts

What to Expect

The lantern trail loops through Snug Harbor’s lawns and gardens, with scenes built from silk and steel and lit from inside. Past seasons have featured enormous dragons, peacocks, lotus ponds and a lantern tunnel, plus a stage with acrobatics, juggling and dance performances included in the ticket. There are food vendors and hot drinks on site. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes.

Getting There From Manhattan

This is one of the best holiday outings for visitors because the journey is part of the fun. Take the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal (1 train to South Ferry, R/W to Whitehall St). The 25-minute crossing passes the Statue of Liberty and gives great skyline views after dark. From St. George Terminal, take the S40 or S44 bus west along Richmond Terrace to Snug Harbor (about 10 minutes). Parking is available if you drive.

Tips

• Buy tickets online, especially for weekends and the week after Christmas.
• Sit on the right side of the ferry going to Staten Island for the best Statue of Liberty views.
• Paths can be uneven and dark between displays; bring a phone flashlight.
• Check the ferry schedule for your return trip; boats run 24/7, with less frequent service late at night.

More on Staten Island

Make a full day of it with the candlelight tours at Historic Richmond Town. See our Christmas on Staten Island guide for tree lightings and local light displays, and the Queens edition of the Winter Lantern Festival if it’s easier to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor in 2026?

It runs on select evenings from November 19, 2026 through January 10, 2027.

How much are tickets?

Tickets start at about $18 depending on date and ticket type. Children under 3 are free.

How do I get to Snug Harbor from Manhattan?

Take the free Staten Island Ferry to St. George, then the S40 or S44 bus about 10 minutes west to Snug Harbor.