Still go some spare dark nights - get ready for part 2!
And if you think we have missed one your involved in or love, please let us know!
Winter Light UP Festival , Dover, UK
with Future Foundry
The highlight is the lantern parade, featuring beautifully illuminated, handmade lanterns crafted during community workshops leading up to the event. Attendees can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere as the lanterns light up the streets of Dover, creating a magical winter experience.
Be sure to check out the lantern-making workshops ahead of the event if you'd like to participate in the procession. More details will be available on the Destination Dover and Future Foundry websites as the date approaches
Find out more at Future Foundry
Leamington Lantern Parade, Leamington, UK
The Leamington Lantern Parade is a magical community event held annually in Royal Leamington Spa. This year's parade will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024. The festivities begin at 4:15 PM in the Pump Room Gardens, with family entertainment including performances by West End singer David Harrop and stilt walkers. The parade itself, featuring hundreds of handmade lanterns, will start around 5:00 PM and will make its way through the town towards the Town Hall.
Participants will enjoy carol singing, music, and encounters with Santa and his reindeer along the route. The event concludes with a festive sing-along led by the Royal Spa Brass Band at the Town Hall Christmas tree. In the weeks leading up to the parade, free lantern-making workshops will be held, inviting the community to create their own lanterns to bring to the event.
This cherished tradition draws thousands of people and is organized by BID Leamington to foster creativity and holiday spirit while supporting local families in need through a toy collection drive.
Find out more at Leamington Lantern Parade
Tunbridge Wells Winter Lantern Parade , Tunbridge Wells, UK
The Tunbridge Wells Winter Lantern Parade for 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, 10th February. The event will begin at 5:30 PM from Calverley Precinct and will wind its way down Camden Road, finishing at the Grosvenor and Hilbert Recreation Ground. This year's theme is "Dream Destinations", inviting participants to create lanterns that reflect their dream places to visit.
In the lead-up to the parade, there will be several lantern-making workshops, including one on 13th January at the Church of Christ. At these workshops, participants can purchase lantern-making kits for £5, which include everything needed to craft a lantern, including an LED light.
The event is free to attend, making it a wonderful community celebration, full of creativity and light
For more information visit Winter Lanterns
Seaford Lantern Parade, Seaford , UK
The Seaford Lantern Parade is part of the Seaford Christmas Magic celebrations, held annually in Seaford, East Sussex. In 2024, this festive event is scheduled for November 30th. The Lantern Parade, known as the Positivity Parade, will start at 4:00 pm from the Mercread Centre. It's a community-centered event where participants carry homemade lanterns, often created in workshops held in the lead-up to the parade. This magical procession lights up the streets and culminates in the town’s Christmas light switch-on, followed by festive entertainment and carols led by local choirs.
The event also features a Christmas market, creative workshops, and a Santa's grotto, making it a fun-filled day for families and visitors. Lantern-making kits and workshops are available in November, allowing everyone to contribute to the vibrant display - these are provided by the amazing WeAreCip
For more information: wearecip.co.uk
Photo Credit : WeAreCIp
This is just a small handful of the parades coming this year - if you want to let us know about yours please do - especially if it is overseas!
Inspired? - Why not try out the Carnival Papers Make Your Own Lantern Kit!