A novel carbazole functionalized bis-$eta$-diketone type organic ligand, 1,1′-(2,6-bispyridyl)bis-3-(9-ethylcarbazole- 3-yl)-1,3-propanedione ($H_2L$) and its corresponding lanthanide complexes $Eu_2(L)_3;and;Tb_2(L)_3$ were successfully prepared. The ligand and complexes were characterized in detail based on FT-IR spectra, $^1H$ NMR and elemental analysis. The observed UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence properties of the complexes were investigated, it shows that the Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions can be sensitized efficiently by the ligand ($H_2L$) to some extent, in particular, the complex $Tb_2(L)_3$ exhibits a more excellent luminescence property than the Eu(III) complex. Meanwhile, the introduction of the carbazole moiety can enlarge the $Pi$-conjugated system of the ligand and enhance the luminescent intensity of the complexes. The results show that the complexes would be used as excellent luminescent materials.