Winter Lantern Walk

Join a peaceful evening celebration of winter as families gather to light up Museum Park with handmade lanterns. This free event invites you to create your own paper lantern ahead of time—using battery-powered lights instead of flames—and carry it along a three-quarter-mile paved walking route through the park. The evening begins with a donation collection period, followed by the lantern procession at 5:30 pm, and concludes back at the Ellipse by 6:30 pm. If you'd rather not make a lantern, you're welcome to come and enjoy the spectacle as a spectator. Before you go, know that this is an outdoor winter evening, so dress warmly and plan to walk on potentially uneven terrain with some gentle hills. Parking fills quickly, so arrive early—you may need to walk a distance from your car. Children must stay with adults at all times since the route includes crowds, darkness, and a pond nearby. Registration is required and spaces are limited, so sign up in advance with a reliable email address so the museum can send any weather updates. If you'd like to contribute, bring gently used winter clothing, pet supplies, or canned goods for local charities.