This year’s competition, themed "Dino Friends," drew 362 entries from local workshops and online submissions, tripling the participation rate compared to 2025. The winning roster features young artists ranging from age 4 to 13, including Isabella Tiscione’s "Sprinkles," Leia Chea’s "Liamstirakosauri," and Yining Chen’s "Cool, Dinosaur Dad!" Other honorees include Christian Arthur, Albert Zhao, Declan Buckley, Carson Testa, Angela Chen, Bella Chlebek, Irene Chiang, Jessie Sui, and Yuna Fu.

LuminoCity’s artisans are currently translating these two-dimensional sketches into glowing, full-scale installations. The sculptures will serve as a centerpiece for the festival, which opens on November 11, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027. Erika Floreska, President of the Long Island Children's Museum, noted that the program provides a meaningful platform for children to see their creativity validated by the public, while LuminoCity CEO Xiaoyi Chen emphasized that the event has evolved into a vital community tradition over its six-year history. By merging modern design with the heritage of Chinese lantern craftsmanship, the festival aims to provide a tangible showcase for the next generation of creators.