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Make Your Own Lantern for the Harlech Christmas Lantern Parade

Updated: Oct 22

Harlech’s first Lantern Parade is coming to town on Saturday, 29th November — lighting up our historic streets with a magical glow! Families, friends, and local groups are invited to join the festivities and create their very own lanterns to carry through the town.

We’re adding a little friendly competition too — bring your brightest, most creative lantern for your chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Whether you’re an expert crafter or simply love getting creative with the kids, making your own lantern is easier than you might think. Here are a few fun ideas to help you get started…


People walk on a dimly lit street carrying glowing star and orb lanterns. The warm light contrasts with the cool evening sky, creating a festive mood.


Willow & Tissue Lantern (Parade Favourite)

If you want to make something show-stopping — this is the traditional lantern parade style.

You’ll need:

  • Willow sticks or garden canes

  • Masking tape

  • Wet-strength tissue paper

  • PVA glue (mixed 2:1 with water)

  • LED light or battery fairy lights

How to make:

  1. Shape the willow into a frame — try a star, pyramid, or globe.

  2. Tape the joints together with masking tape.

  3. Cover the frame with tissue paper using your glue mix.

  4. Leave to dry overnight, then pop your light inside.

You can decorate with glitter, metallic stars, or paint for a stunning finish!




DIY Lantern Hack – Start with a Ready-Made One

If you’d rather skip straight to decorating, start with a plain white lantern like this one from The Paper Lantern Company.

Then personalise it:

  • Add tissue paper shapes or coloured panels.

  • Use eco-friendly paint pens to draw stars or snowflakes.

  • Wrap soft fairy lights inside for a magical glow.

  • Attach to a stick or bamboo pole with strong wire or string.

It’s a simple way to take part — and it looks beautiful under the night sky!


A paper snowman lantern with a black hat and red scarf glows warmly. It has a carrot nose, black buttons, and is set against a plain background.

Don’t forget:

  • Use LED lights only (no candles).

  • Dress warmly and bring your lantern pole or handle.

  • Arrive early to join the parade safely. The parade starts at 5pm


Let’s fill Harlech with light, laughter, and creativity this November — we can’t wait to see your glowing designs!


Win Prizes at the Harlech Lantern Parade!

Join us on Saturday, 29th November for this year’s Harlech Lantern Parade, part of the town’s festive celebrations. The streets will come alive with glowing lanterns, laughter, and live entertainment — and there’ll be prizes for the most creative designs!

Bring your handmade creation and be part of one of Harlech’s most enchanting evenings of the year.


Donated Prizes:

Caffi Llew Glas, Harlech - Drinks and cakes for a family (four people)

Caddy Café, Harlech - Family food voucher (value TBC)

Hufenfa’r Castell, Harlech - Family Ice Cream voucher (five people)

Castle Hair Studio, Harlech - Basket of hair treatment products

The Ship Aground, Talsarnau - Family Sunday lunch (four people)

RED Performance, Talsarnau - £100 Car Valet

The Pit Stop Food Bar, Talsarnau - £40 Food voucher

Caffi Castell, Harlech - £40 Food voucher

Bay View Restaurant, Llanaber - £40 Food voucher

Y Gwyllt Snowdonia Wilderness Café, Harlech - £40 Food voucher

Cae Du Designs, Harlech - A nice woollen wrap/shawl

North Wales Sauna Company - A family sauna

Morfa Garage, Harlech - Free MOT Test

Bean & Blwm -£40 Food Voucher

Castle Cottage Inn £50 Restaurant Voucher



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