News Release

Hilton Head Island 2025 Lantern Parade

Get ready for volumes of light celebrating history, beauty and community spirit

October 28, 2025

With an array of spectacular illuminated creations floating through the air, Hilton Head Island’s night sky and Coligny Beach coastline will glow on Saturday, Nov. 22, during the Town’s annual Lantern Parade.

This annual event has quickly become a beloved seasonal attraction that celebrates Hilton Head Island’s rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit. The parade showcases the creations of acclaimed lantern artist Chantelle Rytter, along with hundreds of colorful lanterns crafted by residents, visitors, school groups, and local organizations. Four bands will join the festivities: the Black Sheep Ensemble, Soda City Band, the United States Marine Corps Dirty Boots Brass Band, and the Atlanta Drum Academy.

“For this parade, we want to see our entire community shine as volumes of light—whether you’re carrying one of the many beautiful lanterns or cheering from the sidelines. It’s all about coming together to enjoy this wonderful event on our beach – that’s the best part,” said Natalie Harvey, Director of Cultural Affairs for the Town of Hilton Head Island.

If you’re planning to make the Lantern Parade a part of your weekend this November, here’s what you need to know to make the most of the evening:

Time and Route

The parade lineup will begin at 4:45 p.m. at the Alder Lane beach access, with step-off at 5:30 p.m., just after sunset. Participants will walk north along South Forest Beach from Alder Lane, exit the beach through the Beach House parking lot, and conclude at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Click here for a map of the parade route.

Parking

Parking will be available at the following locations:

• Coligny Beach Parking Lot
• Former Wild Wings lot, 72 Pope Avenue
• Former Aunt Chilada’s lot, 69 Pope Avenue.
• First Baptist Church,100 S. Forest Beach Dr.
• St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 50 Pope Avenue
• USCB’s Hilton Head Island campus, 1 Sand Shark Dr. A shuttle will run from the USCB campus between 4:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., transporting spectators to and from the parade. Those using this lot are encouraged to drop off group members
• at the parade starting point or viewing area, with only one person per group riding the shuttle. Return shuttles from Lowcountry Celebration Park to USCB will operate until approximately 9:15 p.m.

Handicap Parking and Viewing Spaces

• A portion of the southernmost section of the Coligny Beach Parking Lot (along the tree line near the South Forest Beach Drive access) will be reserved for handicapped parking and viewing areas. Volunteers will verify hangtags for all vehicles in this area.

Where to watch the parade

Spectators can watch the parade along the beach anywhere between Alder Lane and the Beach House or enjoy the finale at Lowcountry Celebration Park. If you can’t be at the parade in person, no worries. It will be live streamed through the Beaufort County Channel.

Spectator Rules

For a safe and enjoyable experience, please observe the following rules:

• Follow the instructions of all Town of Hilton Head Island staff, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies, security officers, and volunteers.
• Please keep the parade route clear.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please do not walk through or stand on the dunes.
• Spectators can bring their dogs to the parade. But, for the safety of participants, dogs are not allowed to walk in the parade.
• You can ride your bike to the parade, but you are not allowed to ride it in the parade.

Participant Rules

• All participants need to have a lantern to march in the parade. Visit CultureHHI for information on lantern making workshops.
• No passing or crowding the bands. Please follow the directions of volunteers and marshals.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Yield space to the large lanterns.
• No bicycles.
• Please leave your pets at home.
• No flaming (these are outlawed in the state) or flying lanterns.
• If you are planning to march as a group, please email us at oca@hiltonheadislandsc.gov to let us know the name of the group, number of participants, and a contact email address and phone number.

Other happenings at Lowcountry Celebration Park

Food trucks and beverages will be available at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Groove Town Assault, a local favorite, will perform in the park before and after the parade’s arrival.

For additional information on the Lantern Parade, visit www.culturehhi.org.