Belgrave Lantern Parade

The Belgrave Lantern Parade is a yearly event at the Hills that celebrates the winter solstice, community, and creativity through a display of hundreds of beautiful candle-powered lanterns.

The event takes place during the shortest day of winter and marks the turning of the seasons towards spring.

The event is an important festival in the local calendar, as thousands of people flock to the streets, marching with big and small lanterns. Visitors are requested to bring their own lantern or join in on the winter solstice theme if they wish to join the parade.

Lantern-making workshops will be conducted during the weekends leading up to the festival so that participants can show off their handmade lanterns during the event. Simple and intermediate workshops are ideal for all ages and skill levels, while advanced workshops involve creating more complex lanterns, which take more time. Those interested in the workshops are recommended to make bookings in advance.

The event also features entertainment, music, circus, art and craft stalls, DJs, workshops, fire pits and more along Burwood Highway, the main street of Belgrave. Kids’ activities include face painting and storytelling. Spectators will enjoy watching the parades and activities from the streets as thousands of lanterns light up the night.

The Belgrave Lantern Parade starts at 5pm and runs for 3 hours. It is held on the Saturday closest to the winter solstice and is free for all to attend.