One Lake. A Thousand Wishes.

Lakes Region Lantern Festival

Sunday, September 6, 2026 • Center Harbor, NH

Join the M/S Mount Washington and the Lakes Region Tourism Association as we say goodbye to summer and transform the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee into a glowing masterpiece. The Lakes Region Lantern Festival is a celebration of memory, togetherness, and hope for the future. As the sun sets behind the mountains, hundreds of eco-friendly lanterns will be set adrift, creating a stunning display on the water.

Whether you are honoring a loved one, making a wish for the future, or simply coming to witness the beauty of the Lakes Region at night, this is a "must-see" event for all ages.

Event Highlights

The legendary M/S Mount Washington will be open dockside throughout the evening! Step aboard the Winnipesaukee Flagship to enjoy:

  • Food & Beverages: Full bar service and delicious lakeside fare.
  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy music and a festive atmosphere right on the water.
  • The Best View: Experience the glow of the lanterns from the iconic decks of "The Mount."

In addition to the offerings on the ship, explore a variety of local food trucks stationed nearby, serving up seasonal treats and New England favorites, as well as a family play area at the Center Harbor Town Beach.

Avoid the Traffic

Travel on the M/S Mount Washington from Weirs Beach to Center Harbor, and then return with us later in the evening. You'll be sure not to miss any of the event, and will enjoy premium views before, during and after the festival.

Get Your Lanterns

Be a part of the magic! Each lantern is yours to personalize with a message or drawing before it is released.

  • In Advance: Secure your lantern kit early at: The Mount Washington Cruises Gift Shop (Weirs Beach), Online at cruisenh.com, or Online at lakesregionlanternfestival.org
  • In Person: Pick up a kit at the Mount Washington Cruises Gift Shop at Weirs Beach, Hart's Turkey Farm, Ames Farm Inn of the Lakes Region Tourism Association Office
  • At the Event: A limited number of lanterns will be available for purchase at the festival gates on a first-come, first-served basis.

To protect the pristine waters of the Big Lake, we provide only natural beeswax crayons at our decorating stations. If you decorate at home or bring your own, please ensure to carefully follow the instructuons in your kit to help us keep our lakes clean!

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Center Harbor Town Docks and Mount Washington Cruises Shipyard, Center Harbor, NH
  • Date & Time: Sunday, September 6. Gates open at 4:30 PM | Lantern Release at Sunset.

Ticket Pricing

Festival Area Access:FREE
Adult Passage (Ages 13+):$40
Child Passage (Ages 4-12):$20
Baby Passage (Under 4):FREE

Lantern Pricing

1 Lantern:$15
2 Lanterns:$25
4 Lanterns:$45

🏮 Lighting the Way for the Lakes Region
Every lantern makes a difference. A portion of the proceeds from each lantern sold will be donated to the Lakes Region Tourism Association, supporting the local businesses and natural beauty that make our community so special.

Buy a Lantern


Frequently asked questions
What is the Lakes Region Lantern Festival?

It is a community-driven celebration where thousands of flickering lanterns are released onto Lake Winnipesaukee at sunset. It’s an evening of music, food, and a stunning visual display of light on the water.
Where is the event held?

The festival takes place at the Weirs Beach waterfront. The M/S Mount Washington will be docked and open to the public as our floating event hub.
Is there an admission fee?

Attendance at the waterfront and boarding the ship is free! However, to participate in the lantern release, you must purchase a lantern kit.
How do I get a lantern?

We recommend purchasing in advance to ensure availability. You can buy them at the Mount Washington Cruises Gift Shop, Hart's Turkey Farm, Ames Farm Inn, Lakes Region Tourism Association Office, New Hampshire Boat Museum, or Gusto's Italian Market. You can also purchase online at cruisenh.com and lakesregionlanternfestival.org. A limited number will be available at the event.
How is the lake protected during this event?

Protecting the lake is our top priority, and we have designed this event as a "Leave No Trace" experience. We consulted directly with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to select appropriate materials, and the event execution plan has been reviewed by NH Marine Patrol. The lanterns are constructed from 100% biodegradable materials and use only natural beeswax candles and beeswax or soy crayons for decoration. We do not allow plastic, wires, or non-biodegradable materials in the water. At the conclusion of the event, our own staff and a team of volunteers retrieve every lantern from the water. The event is fully compliant with state environmental regulations.
Can I decorate my lantern?

Yes! We encourage you to write a wish, a name, or a message on yours. We provide natural beeswax crayons at our "Personalization Stations" to ensure the lake is protected.
Do I get to keep my lantern?

To protect the environment, our recovery team retrieves all lanterns from the water after the event. We invite you to take photos of your creation before the release to remember the moment!
Is this a fire hazard?

No. We use short-burn tea lights that extinguish naturally while the lantern is still on the water. Furthermore, we work closely with the Fire Department to monitor wind conditions and ensure a safe launch.
What happens if it rains?

The festival is a rain-or-shine event for the land-based activities. If wind or severe weather prevents a safe water release, we will move to our "Glow on the Shore" rain plan.
Where does the money go?

A portion of the proceeds from every lantern sold is donated to the Lakes Region Tourism Association. Your purchase helps support the small businesses and tourism initiatives that keep our region thriving year-round.