Everything You Need to Know About the Light Up Winter Lantern Release

The countdown is on for our 10th Light Up Winter, and we can’t wait to see Anderson Park glowing with floating lights, smiles and community spirit.

If you’ve secured a lantern, here’s everything you need to know about the lantern release process so you can arrive prepared and enjoy a magical evening with your family and friends.

Before You Arrive

If you have successfully purchased a lantern, you will have received a QR code ticket and confirmation email. Please remember that lantern purchases are non-refundable, as clearly outlined on your ticket. Before event night, all lantern participants must watch the “How to Safely Light Your Lantern” video. This can be found:

• Via your QR code ticket and confirmation email

• In the Light Up Winter Q&A section on our website

  
  

Step 1: Collect Your Lantern Token (4pm–7pm)

When you arrive at Light Up Winter, head to the signposted Lantern Token Kiosk located in the main event area, opposite the Main Stage. Simply show your QR code to one of our friendly team members for scanning, and you will receive your Lantern Token. 1 Lantern Token = 1 Lantern. Please keep your token safe - lost tokens cannot be replaced. Our top tip: collect your token early!✨ We strongly encourage you to collect your token as soon as you arrive rather than waiting until 7pm. This helps reduce queues and ensures our team can get everyone through smoothly. Once you have your token, relax and enjoy everything Light Up Winter has to offer before the big moment.

Step 2: Lantern Collection & Release Zone (from 7pm)

From 7pm, please make your way in an orderly manner to the Lantern Release Zone on the rugby field. Our team will exchange your Lantern Token for your lantern. Once you receive your lantern, please move deep into the release zone to help prevent congestion and allow others to enter safely. Our amazing volunteers, wearing high-vis vests, will be available to assist with the lighting process.

Please remember to:

• Bring a lighter

• Keep children close and supervised

• Follow instructions from our volunteers and event team

  
  

The Big Moment

The lantern release is a very special shared experience, and we need everyone’s help to make it safe and memorable. Please listen for the countdown from our MC and wait for the official release call. The lanterns will be released together at exactly 7.30pm. Please do not release your lantern before this time. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we create this incredible moment together.

The Final Glow of the Night

Once the lanterns have filled the winter sky, the evening will finish with a spectacular 10th anniversary finale laser show from the main stage in the Rose Garden at Anderson Park. This special display will be the final celebration of the night, a fitting way to mark 10 years of Light Up Winter and bring our community together beneath the winter stars.

Weather Safety Notice 🌧️

The safety of our community always comes first. If winds exceed 15km/h or rainfall occurs, the lantern release will be postponed to Sunday 2 August at 7.30pm. A decision will be made before lantern pick-up begins and shared through our official communication channels.

If conditions remain unsuitable, the lantern release will be cancelled for 2026. In this situation, lanterns will not be distributed and refunds will not be available.

Let’s Light Up Winter Together 💛

Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful and unforgettable lantern release.

We can’t wait to see Cromwell come together for the 10th Light Up Winter, a night of glowing lanterns, community connection and winter magic.

See you under the lights!