Accessing the event is by voluntary gold coin only. We appreciate all and any contributions.

$10 per lantern

As an individual, you can get involved by volunteering your time. For businesses, you may wish to enquire about sponsorship by emailing info@cromwell.org.nz to find out more.

To minimise our environmental impact, please bring along your own Keep Cups. There will be collectable Light Up Winter cups available for purchase at our mulled wine stall.

Email info@cromwell.org.nz

For the best flight performance, we recommend not writing on or decorating your lantern, as this may weaken the paper and prevent it from inflating or taking flight properly.

1) On successful online purchase of your lantern, you will be issued with a QR code ticket.
2) The purchase of lanterns is non-refundable.
3) On the day of the event, there will be signposted Lantern Token collection kiosk in the main event area located opposite the main stage. Please ensure you make your way to these staffed kiosks between 4-7pm to verify your purchased QR code ticket with a staff member. Once validated, you will be given a Lantern Token. Once the tokens are given to the ticket holder, all responsibility is with the ticket holder to hold onto their token. We will not be providing additional lanterns for lost tokens. Please note that 1 x lantern token = 1 lantern purchased.
4) Lantern tokens will be exchanged for lanterns at the pick up station at the lantern release zone from 7pm onwards only, and not sooner.
5) Pick up of lanterns only on the day of the event from 7pm in the designated lantern release zone located on the Anderson Park rugby field.
6) If the wind speed exceeds 15kph on the night, the lantern release component of the event will be postponed with a back up release event taking place on Sunday 2nd August at 7.30pm. A call will be made prior to lantern collection. Please note that this is a compliance requirement to ensure a safe and hazard free event.
7) If rainfall occurs, the lantern release component of the event will be postponed to Sunday 2nd August at 7.30pm. Should adverse weather conditions continue into Sunday 2nd August; we unfortunately will not be releasing the lanterns in 2026. No refunds will be issued. No purchased lanterns will be distributed. This is a compliance requirement.
8) You are required to watch the "How To Safely Light Your Lantern" video show within the T&C's section of the lantern purchase page.

Committed to safety and environmental responsibility, Cromwell Promotions ensures that the official Light Up Winter lanterns provided are flame retardant, completely biodegradable, and free from any wire that could harm wildlife. Please note that we will not allow any other lanterns to be released.

Please read the blog article here for all your parking questions https://www.lightupwinter.co.nz/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-parking-at-light-up-winter

For the comfort and safety of all attendees, dogs are not permitted at Light Up Winter. While we love our four-legged friends, the lantern release, crowds, lights and activity may be overwhelming for some pets and could also cause distress for younger visitors. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you please leave your four-legged friends safely at home while you enjoy this special community event.

Following the event, our volunteer clean-up crew will collect lanterns from public areas on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Any lanterns lodged in trees in public spaces will be retrieved on Monday. If a lantern lands on your property:
If it is safe to do so, please dispose of it yourself.
If a lantern becomes caught in a tree or lands on your roof, please email info@cromwell.org.nz and we will do our best to retrieve it during the day on Monday 3 August.
If a lantern cannot be safely accessed, please be assured it is fully biodegradable and will naturally break down over time.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cromwell.org.nz.

There will be NO lantern sales on the day. Lanterns may only be purchased here at www.lightupwinter.co.nz - whilst stocks last, and by agreeing to our Terms & Conditions online.

On the day of the event, there will be signposted Lantern Token collection kiosks in the main event area. Please ensure you make your way to these staffed kiosks between 4-7pm to verify your purchased QR code ticket with a staff member. Once validated, you will be given a Lantern Token. Once the tokens are given to the ticket holder, all responsibility is with the ticket holder to hold onto their token. We will not be providing additional lanterns for lost tokens. Please note that 1 x lantern token = 1 lantern purchased.
Lantern tokens will be exchanged for lanterns at the clearly demarcated lantern release zone on the rugby field from 7.10pm onwards only, and not sooner. Please note that no token = no lantern; strictly no exceptions.

For the benefit of our tamariki, we ask that you do not smoke nor vape within the event area.

Light Up Winter is a family event and BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol is not permitted. There will be mulled wine and beer and other drinks on sale at the event.

Click on the link here http://bit.ly/3J5F75B to watch the safety video for lighting your lantern.