Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (Making Spirits Bright)

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.

Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

visitmonmouthshire.com

When

Tickets

Free entry.

Hours

4.30pm; opening-times table: 16:30–19:30.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Monmouth

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and community-minded visitors

Vibe

Glowing and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

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

Links & Contact

Run by Monmouth Business Association

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

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.

View More FAQs

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.

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