Experience the 4th Annual Lexington Lantern Festival

It’s time to gather with friends, family, and neighbors for one of Lexington’s most magical community traditions: The 4th Annual Lexington Lantern Festival!

Join us this Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Cary Hall for an afternoon and evening filled with creativity, culture, and light. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, the Lantern Festival is a beautiful way to experience the warmth and spirit of our town.

A Day Full of Light & Celebration

The festivities kick off between 1:00–3:45 PM in the Lower Level Booth & Activities area at Cary Hall. Families can explore hands-on crafts, community booths, and interactive activities designed for all ages. Create your own lantern (while supplies last!)*, learn about local organizations, and get ready to join this favorite community celebration.

*There is currently a waitlist for lanterns for the 2026 event. The festival is free to attend, but you can RSVP here to help event planners and to be added to the waitlist for a lantern.

From 4:00–6:00 PM, head to Battin Hall for lively Interactive Performances. This year’s program will feature Colonial Dancers from the Lexington Historical Society, the Boston Symphony Chinese Drum Ensemble, NLCC/LCE Mandarin Classes, NLCC Performance Club, Children’s Community Chorus, and the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps, bringing together traditions from around the world in a joyful celebration of light and renewal. Audience participation is encouraged, so be ready to clap, sing, and join the fun!

The Lantern Parade & Illumination

As dusk falls, the magic truly begins. From 6:00–7:00 PM, we’ll gather along Massachusetts Avenue for the beloved Lantern Parade, walking together from Cary Hall to the Lexington Visitors Center. Carry your handmade lantern, admire the glowing creations around you, and experience the wonder of our historic town center illuminated by hundreds of points of light.

The evening concludes on the Visitors Center Lawn with a special Illumination Projection—a breathtaking light display transforming the space into a canvas of color and movement. It’s a moment of shared awe that beautifully symbolizes hope, unity, and the promise of spring.

Plan Your Visit

We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and to make sure you’re here for all of the planned activities at this year’s festival.

The Lexington Lantern Festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. We can’t wait to see our streets glowing once again as we light the way into a new season together.

For more information, visit lantern.newlegacyculturalcenter.org or reach out to us here at the Lexington Visitor Center. See you under the lantern light!