Lantern Walk

One of my favorite fall traditions is going on an evening November lantern walk. As the days continue to shorten as we near the Winter Solstice, this is the perfect time of year to reflect on and celebrate our own unique inner lights. The word “light” holds many different meanings and celebrations of light take place in nearly every culture around the world through out the year. This time of year alone sees Dia de Los Muertos, Diwali, Martinmas, Santa Lucia, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. All with shared themes on light—whether it be of the moon, stars, candles, or fire. What does the concept of light mean to you? What intentions and reflections will you bring with you on your lantern walk?

In years past, we have traditionally made our lanterns by fixing tissue paper to glass jars by brushing glue over top. You can also paste on leaves sandwiched between layers of tissue paper. Check out the heart and star shaped leaf cut-outs used in the image below! Twine or yarn tied to a mason jar lid ring makes the perfect lantern handle. Drop in a tea light candle to the bottom of the jar and you are all set. A super simple and classic lantern.

This year at our Fall Together in the Park classes, we switched it up and made our lanterns from handled paper gift-bags!

First, cut out a large window on the front and back sides of the paper gift-bags. This does not have to be in the shape of a single large rectangle as I did here. Get creative and cut out various shapes, such as circles or hearts.

Then take contact paper, trimmed to a size larger than the opening you just cut, and apply it to the inside of the bag, with the sticky side facing out.

The kids can then press leaves and other nature items onto the exposed sticky contact paper. They can also decorate further using hole punchers and markers. Now add a battery-operated tea light candle and you are ready for a lantern walk! Aren’t these adorable?!