Making Spirits Bright
Visitors can join the town for an illuminating community lantern procession through the streets of Monmouth. The parade fills the evening with glowing butterflies, buzzing beetles, shimmering wings, and twinkling flowers. Led by Father Christmas, the route journeys from the Monnow Bridge Gatehouse and culminates at the Shire Hall.
What to Expect
Father Christmas leads an illuminating lantern procession to the Shire Hall.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Monmouth
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Monmouth Business Association
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community-minded visitors
Vibe
Glowing and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry.
- Hours: 4.30pm; opening-times table: 16:30–19:30.
Tips & Advice
- Join one of the November lantern-making workshops in Monmouth so you can carry a lantern you made yourself in the parade.
- Remember the parade is on a Sunday this year, because it switched days and starts earlier to suit families and reduce disruption in town.
- Gather near the Monnow Bridge Gatehouse at the start if you want to see Father Christmas lead the parade off toward the Shire Hall.
- Think butterflies, beetles, shimmering wings or twinkling flowers when designing your lantern, since those are what the parade aims to fill the sky with.
- Dress warmly for a December evening on the streets, as the parade walks through Monmouth from the Monnow Bridge to the Shire Hall.
Special Events & Promotions
- 10th anniversary of the Monmouth Christmas Lantern Parade
- New for 2026: moved to a Sunday with an earlier start to be more family-friendly
- Lantern-making workshops in Monmouth throughout November
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own lantern?
Yes. Lantern-making workshops run in Monmouth throughout November, so you can make a lantern and join in.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. This year the parade moved to a Sunday and starts a little earlier to make it more family-friendly.
Who leads the parade?
Father Christmas leads it from the Monnow Bridge Gatehouse, and it finishes at the Shire Hall.
What kind of lanterns are in the parade?
It's an annual celebration of light, with glowing butterflies, buzzing beetles, shimmering wings and twinkling flowers.
What's special about this year?
2026 is the parade's 10th anniversary. It has also moved to a Sunday with an earlier start.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.