Varel Lantern Parade for Children
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Family Children

Varel Lantern Parade for Children

Traditional lantern procession for children through the Varel forest

Varel — Landkreis Friesland (03455)
Dates 05 Nov — 05 Nov 2026
Venue Varel (03455)
Prices Free
Status

About Lantern Parade Varel

The Varel Lantern Parade for Children is a beautiful autumn tradition held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the Varel forest. Children walk with homemade or purchased lanterns through the forest, bringing light into the dark season. The lantern parade builds on the old tradition of lantern walking, which is particularly alive in Northern Germany around St. Martin's Day. The procession is accompanied by songs and musical support. Free admission. Organized by Stadtmarketing Varel GmbH. The lantern parade is a classic family event for parents and children, connecting generations and filling the cold season with warm memories of light.

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Lanterns in the Forest

As the first days of November arrive, it's time for lanterns – one of the most beautiful traditions of Northern German autumn and pre-Christmas culture. In Varel, the children's lantern parade winds through the Varel forest, a magical place where the lights stand out particularly well among the trees.

Homemade Lanterns

Many children bring their homemade lanterns, which they designed at home or in kindergarten. Animals, stars, houses, simple spherical shapes – each lantern tells a little story and turns the procession into a colorful path of light.

Songs and Musical Accompaniment

During the procession, classic lantern songs are sung: Lantern, lantern, sun, moon, and stars / I walk with my lantern / Saint Martin. Musical accompaniment provides the right rhythm.

Varel Forest as a Magical Backdrop

The Varel forest is the ideal backdrop for the lantern parade. In the darkness of the trees, the lanterns appear particularly impressive, and the trail makes the procession a small adventure for the children.

Family Festival for the Whole Town

The lantern parade is a classic family event. Parents, grandparents, and children come together, often with kindergarten or school classes. After the procession, many gather for a warm punch or hot chocolate for a cozy end to the evening.

Lantern Parade Varel — edition 2026

On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the traditional Varel Lantern Parade for Children will take place in the evening in the Varel forest. Children walk with homemade or purchased lanterns through the forest, bringing light into the dark season. The procession is accompanied by classic lantern songs and musical support. The lantern parade builds on the old Northern German tradition of lantern walking around St. Martin's Day. Free admission. Organized by Stadtmarketing Varel GmbH. The meeting point will be announced by the city in advance. Parents and grandparents are invited to participate with their children and jointly cherish the warm tradition. Afterwards, a cozy gathering with warm punch or hot chocolate is offered.

The 2026 edition continues the annual tradition. The date of November 5th is chosen before the actual St. Martin's tradition and fits well into Varel's autumn rhythm.

The exact meeting point in the Varel forest will be published in advance by Stadtmarketing Varel GmbH.

Programme Lantern Parade Varel 2026

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Evening

  • Meeting point at Varel forest (exact location see Stadtmarketing Varel)
  • Welcome and distribution of musical accompaniment
  • Start of the lantern procession

During the Procession

  • Joint singing of classic lantern songs
  • Path of light through the Varel forest
  • Atmospheric staging

Afterwards

  • Cozy gathering with warm punch and hot chocolate
  • Conversations with families and helpers

Highlights Lantern Parade Varel 2026

  • Traditional lantern procession for children
  • Varel forest as a magical backdrop
  • Homemade lanterns
  • Classic lantern songs
  • Family event to start the season
  • Free admission

Prices Lantern Parade Varel 2026

Free admission. Consumption of punch and hot chocolate at the meeting point at cost price.

Practical information — Lantern Parade Varel

Location

Vareler Wald, 26316 Varel. The meeting point will be announced by the City of Varel in advance.

Date

Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the evening hours.

Admission

Free.

Organizer

Stadtmarketing Varel GmbH.

Target Audience

Families with children up to approx. 10 years old.

Notes

Bring your own lanterns (homemade or purchased), warm clothing recommended.

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Lantern Parade Varel at a glance

Folk traditions Family Children Playful Night Free Landkreis Friesland