Lantern Lighting Celebration

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September 17th | 5:00pm – 8:30pm
September 18th | 5:00pm – 8:30pm
September 20th | 5:00pm – 8:30pm

Mark your calendars for our 7th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration — an evening to gather with family, friends and community to honor and remember those we love and miss. We are so excited to bring this treasured tradition to our community once again.

Due to the popularity of last years 3 night celebration, we have decided to continue this tradition and offer this event over 3 nights! All events will be structured the same so you only need to register for one night.

How it works

Decorate a floating lantern in memory of a loved one with words of love and remembrance (using art supplies provided at the event). As you create your lantern, enjoy expansive views of the cemetery including Lakewood’s lake, Jo Pond.

At dusk, we’ll light our lanterns together and release them onto the lake in a beautiful ceremony. The effect is breathtaking and magical — connecting us to our loved ones and to each other.

Lantern Decorating: 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Lakewood will supply markers and other creative supplies to help you create your lantern while you enjoy live music and scenic views of Lakewood and our lake.

Remember – if you bring a photograph, please bring a copy of the image as you will not be able to get your lantern back after the event.

You will not get your lantern back after the event, so be sure to take lots of pictures!

Ceremony: 7:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m.

Just before dusk, we will gather on the shores of Lakewood’s lake to light and release our lanterns. As darkness settles, our lanterns will dance and float on the waters — illuminating our individual intentions, reflecting our collective impact and lighting up the night.

What to bring:

• Copies of photos to attach to your lantern (no originals please, as lanterns will not be returned)

• Your camera or smartphone to take pictures of your lantern

• Something to snack on

• Folding chairs or blankets for the ceremony

• A flashlight or phone with a flashlight app to help you find your way after the ceremony

• Art supplies will be provided, but you may bring your own if you’d like

Parking is available along roads inside the cemetery. We strongly encourage carpooling. Due to the nature of the grounds and roads within the cemetery, you may need to park a distance from the event site – wear comfortable shoes! There is handicap parking and drop-off available on either end of the event site near the lake. Signs will point the way from the front gates.

Rain / thunderstorms

The event may be canceled if rain. Should this happen, we will email all registered guests in advance of the event start time. We will also post here and on our Facebook page.

Food and Beverages

Check back for more information about food trucks as the event gets closer! 

Covid Safety Precautions

We will update these precautions in accordance with Minnesota State and CDC Guidelines. At this time we plan on limiting capacity to 250 per night and adding additional tickets if they are permitted. So reserve your spots now! 

Check back for more information on safety guidelines as the event gets closer. We will also send out an email to all attendees with covid

If anyone in your party is sick or experiencing Covid symptoms and you need to cancel your reservation, please email events@lakewoodcemetery.org or call 612-540-5165 and we will refund your order.

Questions? Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email to events@lakewoodcemetery.org