The Children’s Lantern Parade will once again be a festival highlight in 2025.

Please note, this year the Lantern Parade will be on Sunday 7th December.

To many families the Lantern Parade has become ‘the beginning’ of the Christmas season – it will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 7th December 2025, departing from Durham Market Place at 3pm.

The Lantern Parade will leave the Market Place at 3pm following the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band up to Palace Green, and arriving at Durham Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service at 3.30pm.

LANTERN RESERVATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED – THERE WILL BE A SMALL NUMBER OF LANTERNS AVAILABLE TO BUY IN THE MARKET PLACE ON THE DAY.

It is recommended that lanterns are suitable for children up to age 12, but all ages are welcome to participate in the parade and attend the St Nicholas Service.  

Children take their lantern home with them after the parade.

If you have reserved a lantern/ lanterns, you will have received a confirmation email.  Bring this email with you on the day to collect your reserved lantern(s) complete with battery operated candles.  On the day, lanterns can be collected from the bottom end of the Market Place from 2pm.