Lakewood’s Lantern Lighting Celebration has become a cherished tradition for many families—an evening of remembrance, connection and beauty. Each September, friends and loved ones gather to decorate lanterns in honor of those who are missed and held in our hearts.
As the evening sky turns to watercolor oranges and pinks, lanterns are set afloat. The names of loved ones are read aloud to the stirring sound of bagpipes. It’s a moment of serenity, celebration and commemoration, a ceremony so moving that many guests return year after year.
Tips to Decorate a Lantern
Here are some tips and stories from Lakewood Lantern Lighting pros.
Tell a Story
Each lantern has four panels (7.5″ x 12″), giving you plenty of space to share a favorite story or memory. One family honored their father’s love of fishing with drawings of fishing memories and gear. “Dad would love this lantern,” his daughter said. “It reminds me of days at the cabin trolling for walleye.”
Write a Message of Love
Some families use their lanterns to share updates or messages they wish they could say. Last year, a couple wrote, “Grandma, she’s here!” to announce the birth of their daughter. “It’s a way to connect generations,” the father said, “even if they never got to meet in person.”
Quote a Song or Poem
Some choose lyrics or lines of poetry that reflect their loved one’s spirit. One woman included the lyrics from a song her husband wrote for her when they were dating. A brother shared his sister’s favorite poem that she’d kept on her bedroom nightstand.
Say it with Pictures
Photos and drawings are among the most popular and colorful touches on lanterns. Children especially like to draw joyful artwork with the vibrant, multicolor pens we provide at each table.
Families love using photos to celebrate lives through moments captured in pictures. (Please bring copies only, as lanterns are not returned.)
What Lakewood Provides:
- Four-panel lantern sleeve
- Wooden lantern base
- LED candle
- Multicolor pens
- Stickers
- Glue pens
What to Bring from Home:
- Copies of photos (no originals)
- Song lyrics or poems
- Drawings or artwork
- Small nature items like feathers or leaves
Time to decorate and time to enjoy some food.
When you arrive, you’ll receive a lantern kit including panels, wood base and LED candle. The panels are made of sheer tracing paper—durable enough for decorating, but transparent enough for light to shine through.
As you decorate, enjoy live music from local musician Sarah Morris and take advantage of the many delicious food truck options.
A Celebration of Light and Love
Amanda Luke, Lakewood’s Community Programs Manager, says, “I hear from so many of our guests that lantern lighting has become an annual tradition. They find the lantern creation and release uniquely therapeutic.” Amanda’s favorite part of the evening is watching the lanterns drift across the lake. “There’s such quiet magic in the experience.”
Join us for the 2025 Lantern Lighting Celebration on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20.
