How to plan a trip to a Water Lantern Festival in 2025
The desire to recreate the iconic water lantern moment from Tangled is easy to understand. There is something captivating about standing beside the water and watching hundreds of glowing lanterns drift into the distance. Water lantern festivals across the world offer this experience to millions, creating evenings filled with beauty, unity and reflection.
The Water Lantern Festival UK 2025 takes place in September and promises a night of enchantment and shared moments. The festival will be held in several cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Each location provides its own distinctive atmosphere, allowing attendees to select a setting that feels most suitable.
In September, visitors will be able to experience a night of enchantment and shared moments at the original Water Lantern Festival UK 2025. The festival will be held in several cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Each location offers its own distinctive atmosphere, allowing attendees to choose the setting that feels most fitting.
Select the location
Lantern festivals in cities often have a buzzing atmosphere, with plenty of food stalls and large crowds. On the other hand, smaller countryside events add a more intimate touch, focusing on creating a calm environment and the beauty of the lanterns. It is worth visualising the kind of evening to be spent with loved ones before finalising the location.
Book in advance
Booking in advance is recommended, as tickets for these festivals often sell out quickly. Early planning helps to secure a good spot for friends, family and loved ones, ensuring a smooth experience. Reserving tickets ahead of time also removes the stress of last-minute arrangements and allows for a more relaxed anticipation of a memorable evening.
Research accommodation options
For visitors travelling to the UK this year, exploring accommodation choices such as hotels, guest houses or short-term homestays near the chosen destination is essential. Staying nearby helps to avoid late-night travel or long drives after the event. Taking time to select accommodation that meets expectations and requirements can also transform the visit into a relaxed weekend getaway shared with friends or family.
Food
The festival typically includes a variety of food trucks offering everything from sweet treats to savoury appetisers. It is advisable to carry a water bottle, particularly when attending with children. Sampling local flavours while enjoying the surrounding scenery adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.
The lantern
The main attraction of the festival is, naturally, the lantern itself. Attendees are invited to write wishes, prayers or messages – thoughts that may have been carried for years – before releasing the lantern to drift among hundreds of others. The moment creates a striking visual and emotional experience. Each lantern symbolises hope and renewal, encouraging reflection and a welcoming of change.
A positive atmosphere
This festival often features live music, cultural performances, and storytelling sessions as part of the experience. Arriving early ensures nothing is missed and allows time to settle in before the main events begin. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, making it easy for everyone to feel part of something special. Families gather together, children play nearby, and even strangers share smiles and stories as the evening unfolds.
Capture everything
While it is often said that the best memories are made when living in the moment, it can be difficult to resist photographing such a beautiful scene. Capture a few shots of the glowing lanterns, then take a step back to absorb the moment fully. Notice the reflections on the water, the soft laughter, and the shared joy that fills the air – these are the images that linger long after the night ends.
Final thoughts
When planning a trip to attend a water lantern festival, maintaining a sense of balance is key. Consider comfort, timing, and travel logistics in advance, and secure tickets early so the experience remains stress-free. These festivals turn simple evenings into moments of beauty and reflection, filling the air with warmth, connection, and a quiet sense of wonder.
The editorial unit
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