2025 LANTERN EVENT
Lantern Installation: December 5-7 from 6-8pm in Putnam Park
Lantern Parade: Saturday, December 6th at 6pm
(Parade rain date: Sunday, December 7th at 6pm)
More information below!
***All 2025 Lantern Workshops are full!***
To volunteer for the Lantern Events click here!
Quick list of things to know before you attend:
(more detailed info below)
Full information on how to best participate in the Lantern Parade:
Date and Time:
The event will take place on Saturday, December 6th (rain/snow date – Dec. 7th ). The parade will begin behind the M&T Bank (35 Main St. in Peterborough) and end at Putnam Park. Poles and lights will be distributed from distribution points set up in front of the bank beginning at 5:15pm and the parade will leave promptly at 6pm (not before). Please follow the directions of our parade monitors. Please follow the parade leaders and continue to walk ALL the way around Putnam Park at the end of the parade. If you’d like a better look at the installation set up in the park, please do that after the parade has made its way around the park.
What to Wear:
Please dress warmly as you will be outdoors for an extended period of time. Hats, gloves, warm coats, walking shoes/boots, etc. Glove/mittens are especially important for carrying the bamboo poles.
What to Bring:
Remember to bring the lantern(s)! As mentioned above, poles and lights will be distributed that evening. We will have approximately 1000 pole/light set-ups and they will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.
SUPERVISION:
STUDENTS MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT ACCOMPANY THEM ON THE PARADE ROUTE. (STUDENTS MAY NOT BE DROPPED OFF AT THE PARADE SITE TO BE MET AT THE END. The end of the parade is chaotic and it would be difficult to reconnect with your child.) This event is sponsored by the Children and the Arts Festival Committee (NOT the ConVal School District). Teachers will NOT be there to accompany students.
Parking:
No parking will be available behind the bank. Please find alternative parking throughout town. Please do not park on the parade route which goes down Grove Street. A Parking Map can be found HERE!
Weekend:
If you are unable to make it to the parade, you might want to see our Lantern Installation which will be set up in Putnam Park from Friday, Dec. 5th until Sunday, Dec. 7 th (weather permitting).
Lantern Etiquette:
To make this a safe and fun event for everyone in the parade, please go over the following lantern etiquette with your child before the parade:
- The waiting period before we begin the parade can be somewhat chaotic, PLEASE supervise your children.
- No running with lanterns
- No swinging the lantern about
- No overtaking the designated front of the parade.
- Hold the bamboo pole firmly with two hands – with the lantern above you in front over your head and not back over your shoulder. Please be aware of the people around you and hold your lanterns as high as possible, where it can be seen and enjoyed by all.
- Please return your pole at Putnam Park in the receptacles provided at each exit. We will reuse them.
Lantern Art Installation & Parade Volunteers 2025:
Sign Up Here!
Help us give the gift of light to our community as we splash into Putnam Park with our handcrafted lantern art installation and Lantern Parade down Grove Street!
On December 5th - 7th we'll need your support. Volunteers are an essential part of this illuminating weekend and we thank you in advance for all of your help!
