Hilton Head Lantern Parade
A glowing lantern parade down the beach at Coligny each November, ending at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
- Next dates: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
- 5 p.m.: Line-up begins at the Alder Lane beach entrance
- 5:45 p.m.: Step-off
- Hosted by: Town of Hilton Head Island
- Shuttle: From the USCB campus, 4:15 to 9:15 p.m.
The Hilton Head Lantern Parade is the Town of Hilton Head Island's annual November evening parade of illuminated lanterns. Hundreds of lanterns made by residents, visitors, school groups and local organizations, along with large pieces by lantern artist Chantelle Rytter, move down the beach at Coligny and across to Lowcountry Celebration Park.
In 2026 it is on Saturday, Nov. 14. Four bands join in: the Black Sheep Ensemble, the Soda City Band, the U.S. Marine Corps Dirty Boots Brass Band and the Atlanta Drum Academy.
Parade route
Everyone who is marching lines up near the Alder Lane beach entrance, just south of the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort. Line-up begins at 5 p.m. and the parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. It leaves the beach through the Tiki Hut and Beach House Resort parking lot, crosses South Forest Beach Drive and continues to Lowcountry Celebration Park, across from Coligny Beach Park.
Parking and the shuttle
For 2026 the Town listed six lots. Parking is tight on parade night, so arrive early or take the shuttle.
72 Pope Avenue and 69 Pope Avenue
The former Wild Wings lot and the former Aunt Chilada's lot.
Churches on the route
First Baptist Church, 100 S. Forest Beach Drive, and St. Luke's Anglican Church, 50 Pope Avenue.
USCB Hilton Head campus
1 Sand Shark Drive, 4:15 to 9:15 p.m.
A shuttle takes spectators to the parade and back. If you park here, the Town asks that you drop your group at the start or viewing area and send one person per group on the shuttle. Return shuttles leave Lowcountry Celebration Park until about 9:15 p.m.
Making lanterns and watching the parade
Anyone can take part: lanterns are built by residents, visitors, schools and groups. Accessible parking and viewing spaces are marked on the Town's parade map, which also shows the route and each lot. Pack a layer, as it is a November evening on the beach.
More events
What is on across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hilton Head Lantern Parade?
The 2026 parade is Saturday, Nov. 14. Line-up begins at 5 p.m. and the parade steps off at 5:45 p.m.
Where is the Lantern Parade route?
It starts at the Alder Lane beach entrance near the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort, leaves the beach through the Tiki Hut and Beach House Resort parking lot, crosses South Forest Beach Drive and ends at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Where do I park for the Lantern Parade?
Lots listed for 2026: Coligny Beach, 72 Pope Avenue, 69 Pope Avenue, First Baptist Church, St. Luke's Anglican Church and the USCB campus, which has a shuttle from 4:15 to 9:15 p.m.
Who runs the Lantern Parade?
The Town of Hilton Head Island, with lantern artist Chantelle Rytter.
Local guides like this come standard for Guests of Partner Properties — one small part of what a Partner Property gives every guest.
Book Partner Properties