Name: Winter Lantern Walk
Start: 2024-12-14T16:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-14T18:30:00-05:00
Location: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC, United States, North Carolina 27607

Shine your light at our annual lantern walk! Bring a homemade lantern (no flames) and come together as we honor the quiet beauty of the approaching winter season with a magical paper lantern procession through the Museum Park.
You create the light for the procession, so be sure to have your own paper lantern to carry. Read on for detailed event information and guidelines for making your lantern in advance. See this map for more details and where to park. A detailed reminder email will be sent to all registrants before the event to share more directions and any important weather updates.
Event schedule
4:30 pm: Activities and gathering for procession on the Ellipse. Come early to get parking and see everyone’s lanterns!
5:30 pm: Lantern procession assembles on the Ellipse. Please do not begin walking before 5:30 pm. We will gather everyone to walk at the same time and take our time to have a peaceful walk.
6:30 pm: Festivities conclude on the Ellipse.
Homemade paper lantern guidelines
No candles or flames. Use battery-operated or other kinds of lights.
Get creative! Tissue paper or cardstock often works best for the base of the lantern. The papier-mâché process is a great way to make a lantern. Use whatever colors, shapes, sizes, designs, process, other materials, and embellishments you like. You can even purchase a premade paper lantern and modify that. Be sure to consider how you will transport and carry your lantern. We encourage you to use your imagination and make it your own! Find more inspiration here.
Attend a Lantern-Making Workshop on November 16 or November 17.
We will not be providing lanterns in advance of or at the event.
Please join even if you do not have a lantern! Being a spectator is just as fun.
Important Rules and Preparation Information
Children must be supervised and with an adult at all times. It will be dark out, crowded, and there are hazards like a pond. Please be aware, stay together, and prioritize safety!
Leave pets at home.
No glass containers or alcohol is allowed.
Do not climb on Park sculptures.
Parking will be crowded and limited. Expect to walk a good distance from parking to the event location. Arrive early and plan for delays. Once parking fills up, you will be directed away from the Museum campus to try and find it elsewhere.
Please preregister. Event capacity is limited and will sell out. Use an accurate email address that is checked regularly, so we can communicate any important updates or weather changes.
Stay on the paved path and with the procession. The remainder of the Museum Park will be closed and off limits. There will be signs and volunteers to help direct the procession.
This event is entirely outside; dress appropriately for the weather and walking.
The lantern procession is along a paved trail; the total route distance is three-quarters of a mile with some slight inclines/declines.
Refer to this map for more details. Parking is labeled. The event begins at the Ellipse, and the lantern procession will travel along the blue and red trails down to the pond and back up in a loop. Restrooms are available at the Welcome Center by the smokestack.
Photo: Luke Mehaffie