I went to the Water Lantern Festival at Liberty State Park, and honestly, it was such a peaceful and beautiful experience. As the sun started setting, the whole vibe shifted—soft music playing, people decorating their lanterns with messages, drawings, or little notes to loved ones. It felt really personal and heartfelt.
When it got dark and everyone started releasing their lanterns into the water, it was kind of magical. Thousands of tiny lights floating on the surface—it was quiet, reflective, and honestly emotional in the best way. You could feel the meaning behind each lantern, even if you didn’t know the story.
There were food trucks, music, and enough space to just sit back and take it all in. I also appreciated that they made a big effort to keep things eco-friendly and cleaned everything up after.
It’s one of those experiences that stays with you—peaceful, beautiful, and full of meaning. If you ever get the chance to go, I really recommend it.

Water Lantern Festival
New Jersey