Lantern Parade

All are welcome to this free event. Parade will begin at the Hermann Lumber Lot on Market Street and end at the Trolley Lot on First Street.

Gather at 6 pm at Hermann Lumber Lot; Parade begins at 6:30 pm.

Decorate and bring your own lantern! Be creative and make them out of tin cans, tiki torches, paper lanterns on poles, kerosene lanterns, or whatever you can imagine!

Visit The Blank Canvas Gallery & Studio during business hours through Friday, Nov. 24 to decorate a lantern for the parade at no cost!

The Lantern Parade is a simple reverent event, bringing to life for our youngest children, their role as spark of light in the dark of night. Processing peacefully in our beautifully lit downtown, children carry their hand-made lanterns, symbolizing a flicker of hope and light in the world.

Immediately following the parade, at the Trolley Lot on First Street, participants will enjoy marshmallows for roasting and hot cocoa. Honoring our German heritage, Pelznickel, a crochety, fur-clad gift bringer offering candy for the nice and coal for the naughty, will delight the children.

Businesses and homeowners along the parade route are encouraged to put out lanterns. Spectators along the route are also encouraged to light lanterns and display them.

New Lantern Parade Route for 2023:
We will start at The Hermann Lumber lot;
North on Market St.;
East on Fourth St.,
North on Schiller St.,
East on First Street;
North on Gutenberg St.; West on Wharf Street;
circle through the Lot;
End at the Trolley Lot (across from Fernweh). See less