Browse by state · checked October 8, 2026

California Water Lantern Festivals 2026

Two verified California Water Lantern Festival launches are scheduled for late 2026: San Jose in mid-November, followed by the event advertised as San Diego in December — actually held at Santee Lakes in Santee.

Compare the two California launches

San Jose Water Lantern Festival: November 14–15, 2026 at Almaden Lake Park, 2–6 p.m. with the water launch from 5–6 p.m. each day. Read the San Jose guide.
San Diego Water Lantern Festival: December 12–13, 2026, advertised as San Diego but held at Santee Lakes in Santee, California, 2–7 p.m. with the water launch from 5–7 p.m. Read the San Diego guide.

Check the actual venue city before travel

Both listings are Water Lantern Festival launches where participants decorate a floating lantern and join a scheduled release. The San Diego event is advertised under a city name that differs from its venue municipality: plan the drive to Santee, not downtown San Diego. The organizer lists ticket options for each event; prices and availability can change, so confirm the current date and total on the official page.