An enchanting evening celebrating the shortest day of the year
May 13, 2026
ErinEarth Education Team
4 min read
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, ErinEarth prepares to host our beloved Winter Lantern Festival on Saturday, 21 June. This year marks the fifth anniversary of this magical community gathering.
What to expect
Photo caption
The evening begins at 5pm as dusk settles over the garden. Pathways will be lit by hundreds of handmade lanterns created by local schools and community groups. Wander through native plantings illuminated by soft, warm light, pausing at interactive stations where you can make your own beeswax candle or decorate a paper lantern to take home.
Live acoustic music will fill the Pavilion, featuring local artists performing folk and world music. Food stalls will offer warming soups, herbal teas, and seasonal treats made with produce from the ErinEarth kitchen garden.
“The Winter Lantern Festival reminds us that even in the darkest season, there is beauty, warmth, and community to be found.”
A celebration for all ages
Families with young children will love the nature play zone, where storytelling sessions and shadow puppet shows run throughout the evening. Older visitors can join guided night walks to learn about nocturnal wildlife and the importance of dark skies for local bird and insect populations.
- Lantern-making workshops (5pm–7pm)
- Live music performances (6pm–8pm)
- Guided night walks (6:30pm & 7:30pm)
- Food and drink stalls (5pm–9pm)
- Storytelling and shadow puppets (5:30pm–7:30pm)
Tickets and bookings
Entry is by donation, with a suggested contribution of $10 per adult and $5 per child to support garden maintenance and community programs. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Visit our events pageEE > Visit or contact the office to secure your spot.
We encourage carpooling or cycling to the event, as parking is limited. Bike racks will be available near the entrance.
Ready to get involved?
We welcome schools, community groups, and organisations of all sizes to experience the beauty and learning opportunities at ErinEarth.