Magic Lake Lantern Festival
Magic Lake Lantern Festival is a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration that lights up Magic Lake with a community lantern procession followed by a multimedia spectacle of puppetry, fire performance, kayak ballet and live music.
The event is run by Three on the Tree Productions Society and invites islanders and visitors to join lantern-making workshops in the days before the parade. This warm, low-cost community night is perfect for families and friends who want a peaceful, artsy way to welcome the new year.
What to expect
- A community lantern procession around Magic Lake, followed by staged performances on land and water including giant puppets, fire artists and kayak choreography.
- Lantern-making workshops held in the days before New Year’s Eve so participants can make their own lanterns and props.
- A family-friendly atmosphere with volunteer-led programming, youth performances, and opportunities for local artists to take part.
Time and cost
- Typical schedule: meet at the Danny Ball Park parade staging area late afternoon, procession around 5:00 PM, followed by the evening spectacle. Exact times are published closer to the event.
- Admission: free. Donations and volunteer support keep the festival running.
Visitor tips
- Bring a small fold-up stool or blanket, warm layers, and reef-safe hand warmers for chilly evening comfort.
- Protect your phone from spray and lantern glue by keeping it in a small pouch.
- If you want a lantern, join the community workshops in advance. They are a fun way to meet locals and avoid last-minute crafting panic.
Program details, workshop times and any special instructions are posted by Three on the Tree and local event listings in the weeks before New Year’s Eve. Check the Three on the Tree Productions pages and the festival event listing for the confirmed 2025 schedule.
