When is the 2026 Illuminate lantern parade in Boston? What is the theme? How can residents get involved? Details of annual festive spectacle released
The countdown is on in Boston to this year’s Illuminate lantern parade – an annual showcase of light, colour and creativity, held as part of the town’s Christmas celebrations.
This year’s event will take place on Friday, November 27, from 5.45pm, with community members helping to create the spectacle.
As in years before, it will involve hundreds of handmade lanterns making their way from Central Park to Fish Hill.
Alongside this, there will be live music, dancers, puppets, and handmade costumes.
The parade is hosted by Transported, the Boston and South Holland-based arts programme, supported by Story Tellers – an Arts Council England-funded arts programme, delivered by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.
This year’s theme is ‘Looking Up’ and aims to honour the town’s heritage and architecture.
“The theme invites participants to draw inspiration from the carvings, sculptures and often overlooked architectural details found across Boston, encouraging residents and visitors alike to view familiar surroundings from a new perspective,” a spokesman for the event said.
“Artists, schools, families and community groups will come together to create illuminated artworks, bringing the streets to life in a unique display of creativity and community spirit.”
The parade is a key part of Boston Christmas Festival – a three-day celebration across the town centre that includes a festive market, featuring local crafts, food and gift stalls, and a programme of family entertainment, such as a children’s funfair, festive lighting and live music.
This year’s festival runs from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29.
Coun Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s portfolio holder for heritage, culture and tourism and representative on the Story Tellers Culture Board, said: “Illuminate is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate Boston’s rich heritage in a creative and inspiring way.
“This year’s theme encourages us to appreciate the remarkable details and architecture that surround us every day, while the lantern parade is always a highlight of our Christmas Festival and showcases the talent and community spirit that make Boston such a special place. I can’t wait to see what people create.”
Transported’s Director Nick Jones is looking forward to this year's parade, and said: “Led by a spectacular Bostonian mermaid lantern, we're pleased to once again create a Boston-themed event which creates special memories for all those who take part and see it".
Residents interested in getting involved are encouraged to take part in community lantern-making workshops in the lead-up to the event. These sessions will provide opportunities for people to create their own lanterns and become part of the parade.
Information about community lantern-making workshops is available from Transported at:
Updates on the event can be found at Transported’s website: https://transportedart.com/events/illuminate-2026-looking-up/