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.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Labyrinth of Light timed ticket: Adults $20.00, Kids 6 - 13years $5.00, Children under 5 FREE.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
East Vancouver
Going?
Location
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.
Links & Contact
Run by Secret Lantern Society
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 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.
Browse Christmas in Vancouver
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.