The Lantern Festival Market is back this year for another stunning showcase of Chinese culture on Saturday, 8 February2025, right in time to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake. This market event at Century City is observed on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunisolar Chinese calendar and has evolved as one of the most important cultural events in Cape Town.
The Lantern Festival is globally known as a carnival, where everyone is welcome to participate and revel in the festivities.
‘We began organising the Lantern Festival Market at Central Park in Century City in 2023, attracting over 3000 people from the local communities,’ says Dr. Iris Wu, market organiser. ‘This year, we aim to make it even bigger and attract more participants to celebrate with us.’

What’s on at the Lantern Festival Market this year
The lineup for this year’s market promises a relaxed day out for all and a great opportunity to learn more about the wonder of Chinese culture and chat with vendors about their produce and offerings. Taste your way through a range of traditional dishes and street food such as stir-fries, noodles, bubble tea, ice cream and other snacks and there is a drink stall serving beverages. Don’t miss the large collection of Chinese tea for both tasting and take-home.
For wellness, explore ancient Chinese medicine while practitioners offer traditional treatments such as acupuncture which holds a great number of health benefits. An exhibition and sale of Chinese art and calligraphy is also on show, as well as an exhibition of photography from the Confucius Institute at UWC.
Let the kids run free with fun and exciting activities such as jumping castles, a petting zoo and a dog show.
10am to 11am – Chinese Taichi and Kung Fu from Master Xiong
11am to 11.30am – Lion Dance and Dragon Dance by SboNdaba Dance
11am to 1pm – Live Music from Everlasting Essence
11am to 1pm – Petting Zoo
1pm to 1.30pm – Lion Dance and Dragon Dance by SboNdaba Dance
2pm to 3pm – Canine Performance by The Incredible Dog Shows
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 8 February from 9am to 5pm
Where: Central Park, Century City, Cape Town
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 073 228 8677
Facebook: @confuciusinstituteatuwc
Instagram: @confucius_institute_uwc