Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade 2025
The 2025 Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade returns on Saturday, November 22nd, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
Hilton Head Island will soon glow with art, light, and community as the Lantern Festival returns to brighten the Lowcountry sky. This annual celebration is one of the island’s most anticipated events, bringing residents and visitors together to honor creativity, family, and the natural beauty that makes Hilton Head such a special place to call home. As the sun sets over the coast, the shoreline fills with handmade lanterns inspired by the island’s landscapes, wildlife, and warm community spirit.
Lantern-Making Workshops Across Hilton Head Island
In the weeks leading up to the festival, locals and visitors are invited to participate in lantern-making workshops held across the island. These creative sessions provide all materials and expert instruction, allowing participants of all ages to design their own glowing works of art. Each lantern becomes part of the parade, transforming Hilton Head’s beaches into a spectacular display of color and light.
Workshop Schedule Overview
- Coastal Discovery Museum: Multiple sessions throughout October, typically held on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Perfect for families and beginners.
- Art League Academy at Shelter Cove Towne Centre: Evening workshops offered twice weekly, designed for adults and older children who enjoy hands-on artistry and intricate designs.
- Island Rec Center: Weekend sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ideal for families and first-time participants.
- Mitchelville Freedom Park Pavilion: Mid-October workshops inspired by the Lowcountry’s natural environment and community storytelling through art.
- Lowcountry Celebration Park Pavilion: A final open workshop during the week of the parade for last-minute participants eager to join the event.
Each workshop provides a welcoming, creative space to experience the artistry that defines Hilton Head Island’s cultural landscape.
Explore the list of additional workshops here – https://culturehhi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Lantern-making-workshops.pdf
Updated Parade Route and Map
The parade route has been updated for this year’s event. Participants will line up near the Alder Lane beach entrance, just south of the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort. Line-up begins at 4:45 p.m. The parade will exit the beach through the Tiki Hut and Beach House Resort parking lot, cross South Forest Beach Drive, and continue toward Lowcountry Celebration Park. The evening will conclude with live music, refreshments, and glowing displays beneath the palms. A map of the updated route will be available at the event to guide participants and spectators from the beach to the park.
A Celebration of Art and Island Living
The Lantern Festival beautifully reflects the heart of Hilton Head Island. Each handmade lantern, whether shaped like a dolphin, sea turtle, or palmetto frond, captures the spirit of the Lowcountry and the artistic energy that fills the island. This celebration of creativity and connection is one of the many reasons people are drawn to live here year after year. Hilton Head is more than a destination. It is a community that thrives on togetherness, natural beauty, and a love for the coastal lifestyle. The Lantern Festival embodies all of these qualities, showcasing the rhythm of island life where art, culture, and outdoor living come together effortlessly.
Experience the Lowcountry Glow
The Hilton Head Island Lantern Festival is more than a beautiful evening. It is a reminder of everything that makes life here extraordinary. From the artistry of each glowing lantern to the sense of togetherness it inspires, this event captures the warmth and wonder of the Lowcountry. At Colleen Sullivan & Associates, we are grateful to call this community home and to help others find their place in it. The light that fills the island during this special time of year is the same spirit that guides our work.