As winter begins to soften and the promise of spring draws near, the Lexington Lantern Festival invites the community to gather on March 1 for an evening shaped by light, hope, and shared experience. Hosted at Cary Hall, the festival is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and togetherness.

From 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Cary Hall comes alive with interactive booths, hands-on activities, and moments for reflection as visitors write wishes and create lantern-inspired keepsakes. Beginning at 4:00 PM, cultural performances and music fill the space, sharing stories through movement, sound, and tradition until 6:00 PM.

As dusk settles, the celebration flows beyond the hall. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, participants are invited to join a lantern parade from Cary Hall to the Visitors Center, carrying light, hopes, and collective spirit into the evening. The journey concludes with a shared moment of illumination at the Visitors Center, where the glow of lanterns reflects the community’s wishes for the future.

The Lexington Lantern Festival is more than an event—it is a pause, a gathering, and a shared step forward, lighting the way together.

On Saturday, May 16, the Lexington Visitors Center will host four separate tours as follows:

Tour 1: 9:00am – Features six Witness Houses and a visit to Hancock-Clarke House
Tour 2: 11:00am – Features seven Witness Houses and a visit to Munroe Tavern
Tour 3: 2:30pm – Features seven Witness Houses and a visit to Munroe Tavern
Tour 4: 4:00pm – Features six Witness Houses and a visit to the Hancock-Clarke House

Walking Tour Details:

All tours are Free of Charge.
All tours are 2.5 hours long.
Each tour includes a 30-minute visit to a Lexington History Museum.
Tours begin and end at the Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue.
Tours will start promptly at the appointed time. Arrive early!
Tours will be held rain or shine.
Space is Limited. Attendance is first-come, first-served.