Lantern Lighting Celebration 2026

About the Ceremony

Join us at Lakewood with your family, friends and community for a moving and meaningful experience, Lakewood's 12th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration.

You can reserve a lantern and decorate it with words and images that pay tribute someone you love and miss. Markers and supplies will be provided. If you want to attach photos or other items, please use copies instead of originals because lanterns cannot be returned after the event.

At dusk, we will illuminate our lanterns together and release them onto the lake in a beautiful ceremony, reading aloud the names of people who are missed. The effect is breathtaking and magical, connecting us to our loved ones and to each other.

This event is free to attend and everyone is welcome! RSVP for yourself or for your party, adding on as many lanterns as you'd like for $10 a piece. (Lanterns will be in $15 at the door if not reserved online.)

All admission and lantern sales end at noon on Wednesday, September 16.

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FAQs

What time should I arrive?

Arrive any time after 5 PM. There will be seating and tables for decorating lanterns, live music, food trucks available. The ceremony begins at dusk and lasts until it is dark.

What happens to lanterns after the event?

To keep Lakewood beautiful for families and safe for wildlife, grounds crew clears away lanterns and removes debris from the lake each evening. Paper parts are discarded and wooden bases are reused.

May I attend if I don’t have family buried at Lakewood?

Absolutely, everyone is welcome! Our Lantern Lighting Celebration is about coming together to honor people who are missed and loved. Although many attendees come to celebrate the life of someone at Lakewood, guests are welcome to celebrate the life of anyone important to them.

May I bring a photo to add to my lantern?

Use copies instead of original photographs. This applies to any objects, such as recipes, clippings, cards, and other items. Lanterns cannot be returned after the event.

Will Lakewood's mausoleums be open during the event?

The Garden Mausoleum, Memorial Mausoleum, and Memorial Chapel will remain open until 7 PM. Please note: these buildings are located about a half a mile from the event site.

If I'm not buying a lantern, do I need to register?

Please register if you plan to attend. This helps us plan for everyone's comfort and allows us to contact you (by email) with important details and updates.

What happens if it rains?

This event is weather-dependent and cannot happen in heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, or thunderstorms. If we need to cancel, we will notify registrants by email and issue full refunds. Cancellation will also be announced on the event page and our Facebook page.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/event/lantern-lighting-celebration/

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Questions?

Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email us at [email protected].

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