Winchester Cathedral Family Lantern Parade 2026

About

Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in.
Winchester Cathedral's Family Lantern Parade returns on Monday 23 November 2026 with this year's theme, Angel's Message.

Parade from Winchester Cathedral through Winchester with your lanterns and light the way back to the cathedral where The Very Reverend Chris Palmer, Dean of Winchester will pick three winners in the categories listed below.

Prize categories:
• Best Small Lantern (under 1 metre)
• Best Large Lantern (over 1 metre)
• Best Community Lantern (for an organisation, group, school, club or business)

Please note that registering interest is not essential for attendance but would be appreciated by Winchester Cathedral so preparations can be made for expected numbers.
In the event of exceeding our maximum capacity in the Cathedral you may be invited to wait outside until the parade begins at 6.30pm, if you book a ticket, you will be guaranteed entry.

Make your own lantern
You are encouraged to make your own lantern at home by reusing and recycling items which would otherwise have gone in the bin. Re-purpose your materials into something wonderful and give it a new lease of life at this year's Lantern Parade.
It is important that only battery operated candles are used inside your lantern creations, no live flames please.

Timings
Gather in the cathedral with your lanterns, from 5.30pm – You are welcome to gather in the cathedral with your lanterns from 5.30pm.

Carol singing, from 5.45pm – Sing along to festive classics that will warm your hearts and get you into the spirit of Advent and Christmas.

Judging of lanterns, from 6.00pm – The Very Reverend Chris Palmer, Dean of Winchester will begin to work his way through the lanterns, do look out for him and let him know what inspired your creation.

Group photo of all lanterns, from 6.15pm – An annual tradition, don't forget to say cheese!

Get ready for the start of the parade, 6.30pm – Start to make your way out of the Great West Doors as the parade begins.

Parade route:

The parade will head past Bar Gate, turning left at Pret A Manger, heading up the High Street to the Buttercross monument where you'll steer left, walking through the passage between L'Occitane En Provence and Kneaded, you'll then walk across the diagonal on the cathedral grounds and the parade will end outside the West Front of the cathedral.

Closing speech and winner announcement, from 7.00pm – Depending on how long the parade will take, the closing speech and winners announcement, by The Reverend Dean Chris is expected to take place at 7pm.

Event closes,at 7.15pm Thanks for taking part in this year's Lantern Parade, we hope to welcome you again next year