When Is Lantern Rite 2026? All Free Rewards, Dates, And Genshin Impact 6.3 Details You Need To Know

The highly anticipated Lantern Rite festival is returning to Liyue, and Travelers are already looking to the future to mark their calendars for the next major celebration. As of December 14, 2025, the freshest information points to the next Lantern Rite Festival taking place in early 2026, coinciding with the Lunar New Year. This annual event is a cornerstone of the *Genshin Impact* calendar, offering massive rewards, deep lore, and the chance to claim a free 4-star Liyue character, making its date the most crucial piece of information for any dedicated player.

The 2026 event is projected to be part of the Version 6.3 update, continuing the tradition of celebrating the New Year with fireworks, mini-games, and the emotional release of thousands of Xiao Lanterns over Liyue Harbor. Knowing the exact dates allows you to save your resources, plan your Primogem farming, and prepare for the return of beloved activities like Theater Mechanicus.

The Definitive Lantern Rite 2026 Date Prediction and Version Details

The Lantern Rite Festival in *Genshin Impact* is inextricably linked to the real-world Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year). HoYoverse consistently schedules the Liyue festival to align with this global celebration, which typically falls between late January and mid-February.

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Expected 2026 Lantern Rite Schedule

Based on the predictable patch cycle of roughly six weeks per version and the alignment with the Lunar New Year, the next Lantern Rite is predicted to occur during the Version 6.3 update.

• Predicted Version 6.3 Start Date: Mid-January 2026 (e.g., January 14, 2026).
• Predicted Lantern Rite 2026 Start Date: The event will likely begin shortly after the Version 6.3 launch, with estimates placing the start around January 7 to February 17, 2026.
• The Core Festival Window: The main event quests and activities, including the ability to claim the free 4-star character, typically run for approximately two weeks within the version patch.

This timing is crucial because it ensures players have ample time to participate in all phases of the festival, which often includes story quests featuring fan-favorite Liyue characters like Xiao, Ganyu, and Keqing. The event is a massive source of Primogems and other valuable resources.

A History of the Lantern Rite: Understanding the Annual Pattern

To fully grasp the "when," it helps to look at the "when" of the past. The Lantern Rite is an annual tradition in Liyue, rooted in honoring the heroes who protected the region, particularly the Adepti and the fallen Rex Lapis (Morax). The festival's primary purpose is to guide the souls of the heroes home with the light of the lanterns.

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The event is a reliable fixture in the *Genshin Impact* calendar, always arriving with the patch closest to the Lunar New Year.

Past Lantern Rite Event Dates and Versions

Reviewing the historical timeline confirms the predictable pattern:

• 2021 (Version 1.3 - The Origin of the Lanterns): February 10 – February 28, 2021.
• 2022 (Version 2.4 - Fleeting Colors in Flight): January 25 – February 12, 2022.
• 2023 (Version 3.4 - The Exquisite Night Chimes): January 19 – February 5, 2023.
• 2024 (Version 4.4 - Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze): January 24 – February 12, 2024.
• 2025 (Version 5.4 - Hypothetical Title): January 24 – February 9, 2025.

This consistent schedule—from late January to mid-February—solidifies the expectation for a January/February 2026 Lantern Rite. This makes the Version 6.3 prediction the most accurate guide for players planning their in-game activities. The main attraction is always the release of the massive Mingxiao Lantern at the culmination of the festival.

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Essential Free Rewards and Anticipated 2026 Content

The Lantern Rite is legendary not just for its beautiful setting but for its generous rewards. Travelers who complete the main event activities can expect to walk away with a significant haul of resources. The core rewards have remained consistent, making them a reliable expectation for the 2026 event.

The "Stand By Me" Free Character Selection

The most anticipated reward is the "Stand by Me" event, which allows players to choose one free 4-star character from Liyue's roster. This is an unparalleled opportunity to obtain a new character or gain a crucial Constellation upgrade for an existing one.

The selection typically includes all non-limited 4-star Liyue characters, such as:

• Xingqiu
• Xiangling
• Chongyun
• Beidou
• Ningguang
• Yanfei
• Yun Jin
• Yaoyao
• Gaming (if released by then)

Mini-Games, Primogems, and Event Currencies

The festival always features a variety of unique mini-games that reward event currency, which can be exchanged in the Afterglow Market.

• Theater Mechanicus: This popular tower defense mini-game almost always makes a return, challenging players to use elemental reactions and strategic placement to defeat waves of enemies.
• Smelting Fireworks: A rhythm or crafting-based game focused on perfecting the art of firework creation.
• Combat Challenges: Various combat trials, often with unique mechanics, that test your character builds and team compositions.

In total, the Lantern Rite is one of the most generous events, consistently offering well over 1,000 Primogems, a Crown of Insight, and a wealth of Mora, Hero's Wit, and Weapon Enhancement Materials. Players should also keep an eye out for potential new character outfits (skins) that are often released or made available during the festival, sometimes even for free.

New Character and Story Focus for Version 6.3

While details are subject to change, the Version 6.3 update is heavily rumored to introduce a new 5-star character, potentially named Zibai, whose release would coincide with the Lantern Rite banners. The festival’s main storyline will undoubtedly continue the narrative of Liyue, potentially featuring the city's newest protectors and adding depth to the lore of the Qingce Village and Jueyun Karst regions. Travelers should prepare for a beautiful, lore-heavy, and rewarding celebration that honors the history of the Geo Archon's land.