Save the Date: 11/18/23!
Please enjoy the highlights of last year’s event – and get inspired to create your own lantern for this year!
Created by and featuring artist Chantelle Rytter, the Lantern Parade is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island. We love seeing our whole community as volumes of light! In addition to the lanterns, the parade includes three bands this year – Black Sheep Ensemble, Soda City Brass Band, and the Parris Island Marine Band‘s “Dirty Boots Brass Band.”
The only requirement to participate is having a lantern!
Lineup for the parade begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Alder Lane Beach Access. The parade will step off at 5:45 PM, right after sunset, and travel north along South Forest Beach up to Coligny Beach Park. From there, the parade continues through the Coligny Beach Park Access, around the Circle, to conclude at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Pre & Post Parade Activities:
12 – 5 PM – Come early and gather with neighbors and fellow parade participants at Loggerhead Landing (entrance off Alder Beach access – Marriott Grande Ocean). Local Food from Lowcountry Fresh Market (starting at 12 PM) & Taco Brown (starting at 1 PM). Lantern Making (while supplies last), Face Painting (12-5), and Live Music by Darryl “The Sole Mate” Horne (3 – 6 PM).
4 PM – Food trucks and beverages available at Lowcountry Celebration Park – In Partnership with the Island Rec Center.
End of the Parade – until approximately 8 PM – Food Trucks (Melly Mel’s, Donut NV, & Gourmet Pops are scheduled to participate), beverages (Island Rec Cener) and live music (Groove Town Assault) at the Park after the parade.
FAQs for Lantern Parade:
- Parking at USCB on Pope Avenue or Coligny Beach parking lot. Palmetto Breeze Trolleys will shuttle you to and from the parade route from 4-8:30 PM
- Line up @ Alder Lane Beach Access for Participants @ 5 PM
- Please follow directions from Parade Volunteers and Marshals – Stay out of the dunes, leave only footprints behind, and keep the parade route clear.
- No Pets
- No Bicycles
- No Motorized Vehicles
- No Flaming Sky Lanterns – these are illegal in South Carolina
- Trolleys will run back to parking until 8:30 PM
- Pre-parade food, beverages, and live music at Loggerhead Landing (entrance off Alder Beach access – Marriott Grande Ocean) from 3-6 PM
- Pre-Parade & Post-Parade food, beverages, and live music at Lowcountry Celebration Park, in partnership with the Island Rec Center
- April 21, 2021
2023 Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Parade Route: Alder Lane Beach Access to Coligny Beach Park to Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Participants: Start @ Alder Lane Beach Access.
Spectators: Watch the parade on the beach between Alder Lane and Coligny Beach Park or set up at Lowcounty Celebration Park for the finale and after party.
Lantern Ideas: Looking for lanterns? There are many online stores that offer paper lanterns for sale – or you can try hobby or party decorations stores. Artist Chantelle Rytter has some creative ideas for making your own lanterns – follow this link for some inspiration!
FREE Lantern Making Workshops: Nov 14 & 15 from 5-7 PM – Carolina Coffee & Crumbs – Sponsored by Coligny – All materials provided, just bring your creativity!
