Solstice
Lantern Walk + Market
Join us by lantern light on...
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026
5-8 PM
Hillsborough, NC
Solstice Lantern Walk is an annual winter-themed event and a cherished community tradition in Hillsborough, NC celebrating the Winter Solstice!
Participants are invited to craft a handmade lantern before event, gather at Hillsborough's Farmers Market Pavilion (144 E. Margaret Ln), and jointhe meditative procession along Eno River’s Riverwalk trail. Together, we're lighting our collective path toward warmer, brighter days ahead.
Under the Pavilion, 5-8 PM, find unique, handmade, giftable artwork at our Solstice Market! Featuring local artists, live music & performances, interactive activities, hot drinks, and warm food for all to enjoy.
⭐ Registration is required to attend this event, whether walking in the procession, watching the stream of lantern lights, or enjoying Solstice Market and performances. Registration supports crowd management and grant reporting for the Hillsborough Arts Council. This event is free with a Suggested Donation of $5-10 per participant.
Tickets for the 2026 Solstice Lantern Walk & Market go live November 3, 2026!
*You will not be required to show your ticket upon arrival to the Farmers Market Pavilion. However, registering for Solstice Lantern Walk may entitle you to exclusive perks, like our 2026 Solstice Mug (details coming soon)!
**All ticket proceeds benefit the Hillsborough Arts Council, supporting continued access to community arts programming and opportunities for local artists in Hillsborough, NC!**
Q & A
Click the lanterns below to learn more:
.png)
Kits coming soon!
.png)
Important Notes:
HAC, in partnership with Churton Street Champion sponsor Paynter Law Firm, is excited to offer an exclusive 2026 Solstice Lantern Walk mug featuring artwork by a contest winner! Event registrants who show proof of a $15+ per person donation with their 2026 tickets can receive a mug, available on-site at the Solstice Market while supplies last.
Pictured is an image of 2025's design.
.jpg)
The original artwork by Barbara Younger featured on 2025's mug SOLD in auction, with proceeds supporting Hillsborough Arts Council’s free community arts programs!
*Sign up for our e-newsletter or follow us on socials to be looped in on all things Solstice Lantern Walk!
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS!
The Hillsborough Arts Council is supported in part by the generosity of Our Supporters, local businesses and individual sustainers, who help fulfill our mission of advocating for local artists and providing access to inclusive community arts programming in Hillsborough, NC.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU OUR SPONSORS WHO SUPPORT THIS EVENT: This program was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of National and Cultural Resources. Additional support was provided by the Hillsborough Tourism Board, the Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority, and the Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Solstice Lantern Walk & Market is also supported in part by our Business Sponsors and Churton Street Champions: Paynter Law Firm and Get Lit Evening Lighting.
As well as, Gold Park Incubators: Summit Design and Engineering Services; Raymond James; Hillsborough Real Estate Group; and Hillsborough Wills & Trusts and River Park Allies: First National Bank, Handcrafted by Perdita, LLC; Whit's Frozen Custard; Vintage Dental Arts; Thomas Stevens Gallery; Leland Little Auctions; and Monarch Movement Company.