Hundreds of lanterns. One unforgettable night.
The Community Bank Mansfield & District Lantern Parade is the heart of the festival – a slow, glowing procession that winds through the streets of Mansfield before spilling into the festival space. It’s the moment the whole weekend builds toward, and it never gets old.
JOIN THE PARADE
Anyone can walk in the parade. All you need is a lantern.
Whether you’ve made one at one of our workshops, crafted something at home or picked up a glow product on the night – if you’ve got a light, you’ve got a place in the procession. Register below so we can manage the parade safely and make sure everything runs smoothly.
A couple of things to remember:
- Open flames are not permitted in the parade
- All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
- The route takes around 25 minutes to walk and covers a mix of grass, asphalt and concrete paths
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Watch the parade
What’s a parade without a crowd?
The parade steps off at 5:30pm – after dark, when the lanterns really come into their own. It follows the pathways through town before finishing just near the festival space. Find yourself a good spot along the route, rug up and enjoy the show.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
The lantern parade is one of those rare things that genuinely works for every age. Little ones love the lights, older kids love carrying their own lantern, and adults tend to go a little quiet when the procession rounds the corner. In the best possible way.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Saturday festival and parade is a no-dogs event. It gets busy and crowded, and it’s just not the right environment for your four-legged family members. Leave them at home with a warm bed and a treat – they’ll forgive you.
On the longest night of the year, light becomes more than illumination – it becomes connection, warmth and wonder.
Light the Long Night invites artists, community groups and businesses to interpret what light means in the depths of winter: guiding, gathering, celebrating and transforming.
Participants are encouraged to design large-scale lanterns that explore themes such as:
Nature in Winter – alpine landscapes, snow gums, wildlife, stars and skies
Warmth – flames, hearth, gathering, shared stories
Light – pathways, guiding lights, constellations
Community & Connection – people coming together, belonging, celebration
Transformation – darkness to light, seasons changing, renewal
Lanterns can be abstract, literal, or whimsical – the more imaginative, the better.
- Community groups and clubs
- Schools, kinders and childcare centres
- Local businesses
- Artists
- Anyone!
Lantern Criteria
Festival Countdown
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Our Festival Partners
