32nd Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival 2025

Yaletown & Granville Island | Sunday, December 21, 2025

Vancouver’s beloved winter tradition returns for its 32nd year as the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival 2025 lights up the longest night of the year with creativity, community, and celebration. Presented by the Secret Lantern Society, this free, family-friendly festival invites people of all ages to gather, make lanterns, enjoy live performances, and take part in magical lantern processions through two iconic Vancouver neighbourhoods: Yaletown (Roundhouse Community Centre) and Granville Island (False Creek Community Centre).

Held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is one of Vancouver’s most meaningful seasonal events—celebrating light, connection, and renewal during the darkest days of the year.

Event Overview

• Event Name: 32nd Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Admission: Free family event (some workshops and experiences ticketed)

• Presented by: Secret Lantern Society

• Neighbourhoods: Yaletown & Granville Island

Festival Locations

📍 Roundhouse Community Centre – Yaletown

Address: 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC
Website: https://www.roundhouse.ca

The Roundhouse Community Centre hosts a lively hub of performances, lantern-making workshops, music, and the popular Secret Lantern Walk through Yaletown.

📍 False Creek Community Centre – Granville Island

Address: 1318 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, BC
Website: https://falsecreekcc.ca

At False Creek Community Centre, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, cultural performances, lantern sales, and multiple lantern processions heading out into the night around Granville Island.

What to Expect at the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

✨ Lantern-Making Workshops

Create your own lantern before joining one of the evening processions:

• Simple Lantern Workshops – Make a lantern in 20 minutes or less

• Last-Minute Lantern Workshop – Perfect for spontaneous participants

• Nature Lantern Workshop – A more immersive lantern-building experience

• Festive Headdress Making – Drop-in activity using natural materials

Some workshops require registration or a small fee; others are by donation while supplies last.

🎭 Live Performances & Cultural Programming

The festival features a diverse lineup of performers throughout the evening, including:

• Traditional and contemporary music

• Storytelling inspired by solstice folklore

• Indigenous dance performances

• Morris dancers, masked musicians, and community bands

• Interactive light and projection play for children

Each venue offers its own unique schedule, creating a vibrant, roaming festival atmosphere.

🏮 Lantern Processions

One of the most magical parts of the festival is the series of lantern processions, where participants carry handmade lanterns through neighbourhood streets and pathways.

• Multiple procession start times throughout the evening

• Family-friendly routes guided by performers and musicians

• Participants are invited to join after completing a lantern workshop or bringing their own lantern

These gentle, glowing walks symbolize bringing light into the darkness and welcoming the return of longer days.

🌀 Labyrinth of Light (Ticketed Experience)

For a quieter, meditative experience, visitors can take part in the Labyrinth of Light, featuring a walking path illuminated by 500 pure beeswax candles.

• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

• Experience: Candlelit meditation walk with sound and bowl toning

• Tickets: $20 (available at the door or via QR code on site)

This experience offers a reflective contrast to the lively festival atmosphere and is especially popular with adults seeking calm and introspection.

🥁 Solstice Drum Circle (Ticketed)

Join a guided Solstice Drum Circle, led by a master drummer, where participants can drum together in celebration of the season.

• Drums and instruction provided

• Suitable for beginners

• Tickets available at the door or online

🛍 Lantern Sales, Food & Festival Tents

• Handcrafted lanterns and solstice gifts for sale

• Seasonal food and warm treats available at food tents

• Lantern sales available in advance and on festival day (while supplies last)

A Meaningful Vancouver Tradition

For more than three decades, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival has brought Vancouverites together to honour creativity, community, and the changing seasons. The festival is deeply rooted in inclusivity, welcoming families, newcomers, artists, and long-time locals alike.

The event also acknowledges that it takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

How to Support the Festival

The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is made possible through community support. Donations help keep this event accessible and thriving year after year.

👉 Donate to support the festival:
https://www.secretlantern.org/annual-winter-solstice-lantern-festival

Helpful Links

• Official Festival Website: https://www.secretlantern.org

• Roundhouse Community Centre Event Page:
  https://www.roundhouse.ca/event/31st-annual-winter-solstice-lantern-festival/

• False Creek Community Centre Event Page:
  https://falsecreekcc.ca/31st-annual-winter-solstice-lantern-festival/

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re making your first lantern, joining a glowing procession, enjoying live performances, or walking the candlelit labyrinth, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival 2025 offers one of the most authentic and heart-warming winter experiences in Vancouver.

It’s a celebration of light, creativity, and togetherness—perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to connect with the city during the holiday season.

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