The Children’s Lantern Parade will once again be a festival highlight in 2026.

Please note, this year the Lantern Parade will be on Sunday 6th December.

To many families the Lantern Parade has become ‘the beginning’ of the Christmas season – it will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 6th December 2026, 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 are NOW OPEN.   

Each lantern costs £6.  Please follow the link below to reserve your lantern(s) via the website.  You will receive a confirmation email – please bring this with you on the day to collect the lantern(s).  

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(s) 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.