The Lunar Festival is a time of celebration. The people of Azeroth celebrate their triumph of many thousands of years ago, when an alliance of good races (the night elves, tauren, furbolgs, and earthen) defeated a terrible evil called the Burning Legion. It is also a time of remembrance for the valor and wisdom of that ancient age.
Today, the Lunar Festival is held by the druids of Nighthaven. Both the Horde and Alliance are welcome to celebrate and shoot fireworks — a symbol of Elune's power. Ancient heroes of the past also appear throughout the land, offering gifts to those who find and honor them.[2]
It is a time of happiness, fortune and celebration, but it has a deeper motive as well.[2]
Omen, defeated so many centuries ago, yet remains in Lake Elune'ara. Although driven insane by the Burning Legion, the demigod still possesses Elune's blessing and thus is immortal. During the Lunar Festival, he stirs...and heroes of the land are called to defeat him once again.[2]
For a list of Elder locations, visit Lunar Festival Elders.
In 2024, the Lunar Festival was held from January 21st to February 4th.
Details[]
Decorations are placed in every capital as well as in the regions of Nighthaven and Moonglade. Revelers celebrating the Lunar New Year will be spread throughout the world (the revelers are concentrated in Moonglade, except for those that show up for the fireworks shows in Stormwind/Thunder Bluff/Booty Bay); the lunar festival specific NPCs can be found in each capital and in Moonglade. There are also other NPCs — spread throughout the world — that are ghost-like elders who players must find and honor, as noted below.
Lunar Festival events focus on the celebration of the ancestors of the inhabitants of Azeroth. Quests can be found throughout the world offering holiday-related items such as fireworks and other memorabilia to celebrate one's elders and ancestors. Elder Ghosts are found throughout the world of Azeroth and each time players finds a new Elder, they receive a token that can be redeemed for special holiday-related items.
Changes over time[]
The Lunar Festival has changed very little over time, mostly with the exception of new Lunar Festival Elders in zones added by expansions. However, no new elders have been added since Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. Cataclysm.
- Battle for Azeroth
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Some new toys were added in 2019 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>:[3]
- Green Dragon Tail Costume for 25
[Coin of Ancestry] - Green Dragon Body Costume for 10
[Coin of Ancestry] - Green Dragon Head Costume for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Blue Dragon Tail Costume for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Blue Dragon Body Costume for 10 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Blue Dragon Head Costume for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Lunar Elder's Hearthstone for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Patch 7.3.5
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A new item and some toys were added in 2018 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>:[4]
- [Weathered Heirloom Armor Casing] for 75 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Crown of Courage for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Crown of Dark Blosoms for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Crown of Good Fortune for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Crown of Prosperity for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
Dungeon drops scale to level.
- Legion
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Some new toys were added in 2017 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>:[5]
- File:Inv misc dragoncostume front.png [Red Dragon Head Costume] for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- File:Inv misc dragoncostume mid.png [Red Dragon Body Costume] for 10 [Coin of Ancestry]
- File:Inv misc dragoncostume tail.png [Red Dragon Tail Costume] for 25 [Coin of Ancestry]
- In Warlords of Draenor
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Some new holiday content was added in 2015:
- Completing [40] Elune's Blessing rewards the toy [Elune's Lantern]
- Two fireworks toys: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.[Everlasting Alliance Firework] and Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.[Everlasting Horde Firework] can also now be purchased for 25
- [Perky Blaster] will give your Perky Pug a firework and costs 1 [Coin of Ancestry]
- Three new Engineering recipes requiring 500 skill were made available: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.[Schematic: Alliance Firework], Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.[Schematic: Horde Firework], and [Schematic: Snake Firework]
- Vendors sell [Ancient Heirloom Armor Casing] for 40 and [Timeworn Heirloom Armor Casing] for 75
- In Cataclysm
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The [Festival Lantern] and [Lunar Lantern] companions were added in Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. Cataclysm for 50 from Valadar Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector> in Moonglade.
- Patch 3.0.8
Some new items were added from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>:
- [Pattern: Festival Dress] for 5 [Coin of Ancestry]
- [Pattern: Festival Suit] for 5 [Coin of Ancestry]
The [Schematic: Cluster Launcher] and [Schematic: Firework Launcher] were made Bind on Pickup.
- Patch 2.2
[Cluster Rocket Recipes] (contains [Schematic: Blue Rocket Cluster], [Schematic: Green Rocket Cluster], and [Schematic: Red Rocket Cluster]) was added in Patch 2.2 for 5 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>. [Small Rocket Recipes] (contains [Small Blue Rocket], [Schematic: Small Green Rocket], and [Schematic: Small Red Rocket]) was added in Patch 2.2 for 5 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>.
- Patch 2.1.1
[Large Rocket Recipes] (contains [Schematic: Large Blue Rocket], [Schematic: Large Green Rocket], and [Schematic: Large Red Rocket]) was added in Patch 2.1.1 for 5 from Fariel Starsong <Coin of Ancestry Collector>.
Dates[]
It appears that Blizzard moves the dates of this event to conform to the real-life Chinese Lunar New Year on which this festival is based.[6]
| Year | Lunar New Year date | Lunar Festival dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | January 29 | January 27 – February 14 | |
| 2007 | February 18 | February 16 – March 8 | |
| 2008 | February 7 | February 5 – February 23 | |
| 2009 | January 26 | January 24 – February 12 | |
| 2010 | January 23 | February 13 - March 7 | |
| 2011 | February 3 | January 23 - February 13 | |
| 2012 | January 23 | January 22 - February 12 | |
| 2013 | February 10 | January 27 - February 10 | |
| 2014 | January 31 | January 20 - February 3 | |
| 2015 | February 19 | February 16 - March 2 | |
| 2016 | February 8 | February 1 - February 15 | |
| 2017 | January 28 | January 21 - February 4 |
Mini-events[]
- On the date of the actual lunar New Year, celebrations occur in Stormwind, Thunder Bluff, Booty Bay and Moonglade.
- On the last day of the festival, one last firework show will be held in Moonglade. This parallels the Chinese "Festival of Lanterns", with extra lanterns spawned around Lake Elune'ara (the firework show occurs over the lake).
Items[]
Some holiday items that relate to the Chinese New Year include:
- Various rockets and fireworks.
- Collected [Coins of Ancestry] from Lunar Festival Elders that can be used as currency.
- A [Lunar Festival Invitation].
- Some [Festival Dumplings].
- [Lunar Festival Fireworks Pack].
- Costumes that depict festive Lunar holiday dresses and suits in a variety of colors besides red.
- Recipes that will allow players to create red Lunar holiday clothing, and others to create a variety of rockets and launchers.
- A special [red envelope] with a surprise inside (inspired by the red packets that is given during Chinese New Year).
- The [Elune's Candle] contains 88 charges, which according to Chinese Tradition would be lucky. This is also related to the red packets.
- Two new companions were added for the 2012 festival, both resembling Chinese lanterns: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found. [Lunar Lantern]/Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found. [Festival Lantern]. Both are sold by Valadar Starsong.
Outdoor Raid[]
Finally, there is Omen, a high-level boss that spawns in Moonglade during the festival, giving players a chance to experience a raid-style encounter that only appears during this time of year. Omen is inspired by the tale of "Nian" from Chinese lore. In the Chinese version of WoW, Omen's name will be left as Nian.
Quests[]
Simple quests exist at each major city that provide a 24-hour invitation that allows the bearer to teleport to Moonglade from inside a nearby circle of moonlight. Once in Moonglade, one hill contains a number of similar circles of moonlight, each of which lets a character teleport back (using the invitation) to one of the cities. Though the invitation has a 10-minute cooldown, this provides a convenient way to move from city to city for the duration of the festival (see the Travel Guide). In addition, this provides a flight point to Moonglade, usually accessible only to Druids and high-level characters.
Even if you completed these quests (including the veneration of the elders quests) in a previous year, they will once again be available to you during the current year.
Lead-in quests[]
- "The Lunar Festival", from the heralds or emissaries in the cities, direct you to your city's harbinger. Reward: 5 Cenarion Circle reputation. Minimum level of 1 to do quest.
- [70] Lunar Fireworks, from the harbinger in your city, directs you to set off 8 small and 2 cluster fireworks (purchasable from the nearby vendor, made by an engineer, or received from an Elder), and rewards you with 150 Cenarion Circle reputation, and a [Lunar Festival Invitation] allowing you to teleport to Moonglade.
- "Valadar Starsong" directs you to teleport to Moonglade and speak with Valadar in the village of Nighthaven. Reward: 1,250 experience (or 75 at max level).
- [70] Valadar Starsong
Gaining Coins of Ancestry[]
You don't need a prerequisite for these. Just find the Elder, talk to them, and the quest is complete. There are 84 elders: 26 in Kalimdor, 24 in Eastern Kingdoms, 25 in Northrend, and 9 in Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found.Cataclysm zones. The Elders stand in circles of light. You can complete the quest with any Elder, though some are harder to get to than others, such as those in your opposing faction's capital cities.
All of these quests give 1 [Coin of Ancestry] and 75 (changed from 50) of your faction's reputation. (No Cenarion reputation.) This means +75 to each of your faction's five cities. Since Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. Cataclysm the faction reputation gain has become somewhat trivial as it's only effective through 5999/6000 Friendly rep. If you finished these quests in 2006 you weren't able to repeat them in 2007, but as of 2008 you can complete the quests for Elders you finished in previous years (in other words, the 2008 and 2009 festivals ignore which ones you completed in previous festivals).
Also see the Lunar Festival Elders tour guide.
Lucky Red Envelope[]
Upon completing each Elder's quest, players will be immediately rewarded with a [Lucky Red Envelope], which alternately contains either an [Elder's Moonstone] (summons a circle of light, same as [Elune Stone]) or a [Lucky Rocket Cluster], which gives you and anyone near you a +250 health buff for 30 minutes, when thrown into a [Cluster Launcher]. The odds of either appear to be about even. Prior to the Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found.Cataclysm, players had to wait eight hours for their envelopes to show up in the mail.
A complete list of all the Elder locations including coordinates can be found on the Lunar Festival Elders page.
Spending Coins of Ancestry[]
During the Lunar Festival, two vendors in Moonglade will redeem Coins of Ancestry for goods:
- Valadar Starsong sells festival outfits, a [Lunar Festival Fireworks Pack], [Festival Dumplings], [Elune's Candle], and the Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found. [Lunar Lantern]/Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found. [Festival Lantern].
- Fariel Starsong sells tailor patterns for red festival clothes and engineering schematics for various fireworks and launchers.
See the NPCs' pages for a list of the items each sells. All of these items are Bind on Pickup (except [Elune's Candle], which is sold for silver, not Coins of Ancestry.)
An engineer who wants all the fireworks schematics will need thirty Coins of Ancestry.
A tailor who wants both red festival clothes patterns will need ten Coins of Ancestry.
The coins don't have a limited duration, so you can save your excess for the next festival.
Other quests[]
- [60] Elune's Blessing from Valadar Starsong - Summon Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found. Omen, defeat him and gain his blessing. The blessing itself is a buff giving +10% to all stats for one hour. Rewards: [Elune's Lantern], 3 solid stone and a box of fireworks (100 Cenarion Circle reputation).
Official Summary[]
Lunar Festival[]
- Every year the druids of Moonglade hold a celebration of their city's great triumph over an ancient evil. During the Lunar Festival, citizens of Azeroth have the opportunity to honor their elders by celebrating their sage wisdom, sharing in magnificent feasts, and of course...shooting fireworks!
Features[]
- Type: Holiday Event
- Location: All Major Cities, Booty Bay, Moonglade
Omen[]
- The beast of Omen was once a hero of this world. A wolf of great strength and fortune, Omen fought beside the heroes of the War of the Ancients until he succumbed to demonic magics. Turning against his allies, he raged across Azeroth and carried death and terror in his wake. Finally defeated in Moonglade, Omen now sleeps among the silt of Lake Elune'ara. But each new year, during the festival, he stirs...
Elders[]
- During the Lunar Festival, adventurers will have the opportunity to honor many of their elders, and by doing so, they will also honor their culture and their people. For this, the Coins of Ancestry serve as a tangible means to recognize those who have chosen the venerable path of respect. Those who are recognized thus will have their diligence rewarded with a selection of unique items.
Fireworks[]
- The innovative and artistic engineers of Undermine have been slaving away since their display of pyrotechnics in July. Their latest and greatest - not to mention highly dangerous to operate - creations will be on display in the cities of the world every hour after sunset. Keep your eyes to the skies, and be sure to stick around for the finale!
Revelers, All[]
- Many soldiers formerly abroad have come home to engage in the festivities. Share in the merriment and dance with the revelers, or, if you're so inclined, blow a kiss to one that catches your eye. It's all in fun, after all; they appreciate the attention!
- Festival Outfits To help celebrate the festivities, a selection of unique clothing become available to adventurers. Such outfits have been worn in times past during the Lunar Festival and each is hand-crafted with only the finest soft fabrics and other quality components.
![[Festival Suit]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_14.jpg "Lunar Festival 14.jpg (144 KB)")
![[Festive Teal Pant Suit]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_15.jpg "Lunar Festival 15.jpg (147 KB)")
![[Festival Dress]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_18.jpg "Lunar Festival 18.jpg (280 KB)")
![[Festive Green Dress]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_19.jpg "Lunar Festival 19.jpg (283 KB)")
![[Festive Blue Pant Suit]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_16.jpg "Lunar Festival 16.jpg (145 KB)")
![[Festive Black Pant Suit]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_17.jpg "Lunar Festival 17.jpg (136 KB)")
![[Festive Purple Dress]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_20.jpg "Lunar Festival 20.jpg (286 KB)")
![[Festive Pink Dress]](/wiki/File:Lunar_Festival_21.jpg "Lunar Festival 21.jpg (283 KB)")
History[]
- The Lunar Festival is a time of celebration. The peoples of Azeroth celebrate their triumph of many thousands of years ago, when an alliance of good races (Night Elves, Tauren, and Earthen - a proto-dwarven race) defeated a terrible evil. It is also a time of remembrance for the valor and wisdom of that ancient age.
- The demi-god Omen was a being of great strength and knowledge. Blessed by Elune, Omen wandered primordial Kalimdor, guiding hunters and gatherers and offering luck and advice to all he met. When the Burning Legion launched their attack, Omen allied with Azeroth's defenders. He fought bravely but after many battles his wounds from demonic forces plunged Omen into a deep, dreaming sleep...where fel-inspired nightmares slowly consumed him. When he finally awoke, centuries later, he had fallen to madness.
- The transformed Omen rampaged. No longer a creature of wisdom - but still possessing the strength of Elune's blessing - he tore through the land, killing and devouring. Terror rode before him, and death trailed in his wake.
- Omen's spree of horror ended when a coterie of ancient heroes gathered in the village of Nighthaven and faced the beast. They called down the moon's wrath and Omen, blinded and stunned by the power of the moon goddess, fled into the deep waters of Lake Elune'ara. That day marked the end of his rampage, and symbolized a new beginning for the people of Azeroth and the followers of Elune.
- Today, the Lunar Festival is held by the druids of Nighthaven. Both the Horde and Alliance are welcomed to celebrate and shoot fireworks - a symbol of Elune's power. Ancient heroes of the past also appear throughout the land, offering gifts to those who find and honor them.
- It is a time of happiness and fortune and celebration, but it has a deeper motive as well...
- Omen, defeated so many centuries ago, yet remains in Lake Elune'ara. Although driven insane by the Burning Legion, the demi-god still possesses Elune's blessing and is, hence, immortal. During the Lunar Festival, he stirs...and heroes of the land are called to defeat him once again.
Screenshots[]
References[]
- ^ World Events. Wowhead.
- ^ a b c Blizzard Entertainment 2006-01-18. World of Warcraft Peek #1. RPG Vault (IGN).
- ^ perculia 2019-01-28. Lunar Festival 2019 Holiday Updates and Guide (Jan 28 - Feb 11). Wowhead News.
- ^ perculia 2018-02-17. Lunar Festival 2018 Holiday Updates and Guide. Wowhead News.
- ^ perculia 2017-01-21. Lunar Festival 2017 Holiday Updates and Guide. Wowhead News.
- ^ Blizzard Entertainment 2010-11-07. Lunar Festival. Old official World of Warcraft community site. Archived from the original on 2010-11-07.
External links[]
- Official
- Guides
- 2016
- 2014
- 2013
WoW Official Game Site (EU) Moons + Explosives = Lunar Festival! by Blizzard Entertainment, 25 Jan 2013 16:00 GMT- 2012
WoW Official Game Site (US) Moons + Explosives = Lunar Festival! by Blizzard Entertainment, Jan 20, 2012 11:45 PM PST WoW Official Game Site (EU) Moons + Fireworks = Lunar Festival by Blizzard Entertainment, 21 Jan 2012 07:45 UTC
WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Guide to Lunar Festival 2012 achievements by Allison Robert Jan 19th 2012 at 9:00AM- 2011
WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Guide to Lunar Festival achievements by Allison Robert Feb 11th 2010 at 2:00PM WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Guide to Lunar Festival achievements, part 2 by Allison Robert Feb 11th 2010 at 2:00PM WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Guide to Lunar Festival 2011 by Allison Robert Jan 20th 2011 at 9:00AM- 2010
WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Guide to Lunar Festival achievements by Allison Robert Feb 11th 2010 at 2:00PM- 2009
WoW Insider WoW, Casually: A casual guide to the Lunar Festival by Robin Torres Jan 25th 2009 at 7:00PM
Wowhead News Lunar Festival 2009 (Jan 24 - Feb 12) - Quest Guide + Information! by Miyari 2009/01/23 at 4:06 PM WoW Insider The OverAchiever: Completing the Lunar Festival Achievements [Updated x2] by Dan O'Halloran Jan 22nd 2009 at 8:30PM- Old info
RPG Vault at IGN.com World of Warcraft Peek #1Blizzard serves up information plus a gallery of images related to the upcoming in-game Lunar Festival celebration
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