Vancouver Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Visitors celebrate the longest night of the year with community lantern processions, live music, and storytelling. Attendees can take part in lantern-making workshops, walk a meditative labyrinth illuminated by over 500 pure beeswax candles, or join an open community drum circle. Cultural performances include indigenous welcome dances, traditional folk dancing, Baltic singing, and shadow puppetry.
What to Expect
Honours the shortest day with lantern processions, music, dancing, and storytelling.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
East Vancouver
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Secret Lantern Society
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community festival-goers
Vibe
Communal and luminous
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Labyrinth of Light timed ticket: Adults $20.00, Kids 6 - 13years $5.00, Children under 5 FREE.
Tips & Advice
- Register for a lantern workshop in early December so you have your own lantern ready to carry in the procession on solstice night.
- Bring pressed leaves, flowers or other small decorations to your workshop, since the basic materials are provided but personal touches are encouraged.
- Book one lantern for a parent and child to make together, since workshop pricing is per lantern and every child must come with an adult.
- Use the free Saturday, December 19 session to finish your lantern if you run out of time during your registered workshop.
- Pick your procession starting point before you head out: the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Island Plaza on Granville Island, or Leg-in-Boot Square in False Creek.
Special Events & Promotions
- Lantern-making workshops on select days in early and mid December (star, globe, pin-prick and nature lanterns), registration required.
- Free lantern-finishing session on Saturday, December 19 for anyone registered in a workshop.
- Globe and nature lanterns on sale daily from December 15 to 21.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own lantern to carry?
Yes. Secret Lantern Society artists run lantern workshops at False Creek Community Centre in the weeks before the festival. All materials are provided, and you're encouraged to bring pressed leaves, flowers or other decorations.
What kinds of lanterns can I make?
There are separate workshops for star, globe, pin-prick and nature lanterns. Globe and nature lanterns are also sold every day from December 15 to 21.
Can kids join the lantern workshops?
Yes. Pricing is per lantern, so a parent and child can make one together. Every child must be with an adult.
What if I don't finish my lantern at the workshop?
There's an extra finishing session on Saturday, December 19. It's free if you've registered for any workshop.
Where do the lantern processions start?
The festival map shows procession starting points at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Island Plaza on Granville Island and Leg-in-Boot Square. There's also a Secret Lantern Walk and a Solstice Drum Circle.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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