Most venues will remain open for Last Fridays, and many activities will occur as scheduled no matter the forecast. We will only cancel, reschedule, or relocate outdoor activities in the event of dangerous or prohibitive weather. If necessary, we will notify contracted artists and make public announcements on LastFridays.org and social media regarding changes or relocations before 2 PM on event day. Follow us on socials (linked above) to hear first!
RAIN-OR-SHINE
SOLSTICE LANTERN WALK
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Join us by lantern light on the darkest night of the year...
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022
4:30 PM
... to warm the coming winter with art, music, hot drinks, community and more!
Registration opens November 2022!
*Registration is required to attend.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The event is free, but we have a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. While we strive to ensure HAC events remain accessible to everyone in our community, Hillsborough Arts Council incurs substantial cost curating opportunities like Solstice Lantern Walk. For this reason, we ask that those who can afford to do so make a $5 donation. There will be an opportunity to pay upon arrival to the event, or click below to donate early. Children 12 and under are free. We appreciate your support in making Solstice Lantern Walk happen.
WHAT IS SOLSTICE LANTERN WALK?
Solstice Lantern Walk is an annual, winter-themed event, celebrating creativity and community. For Hillsborough, NC, solstice has become a special evening to gather and usher in the coldest, darkest season of the year. Participants are asked to craft a handmade lantern and gather at Hillsborough's Farmers Market Pavilion to be led on a procession along Hillsborough's River Walk. Find lantern guidelines and resources below.
We're excited to announce that, with generous support from Hillsborough's Tourism Board, this year's Solstice Lantern Walk features a *NEW Solstice Market! Artist application announcements are coming soon!
While in town, we encourage participants to check out all the gingerbread houses on display in downtown shop windows, grab dinner, a drink, shop, and support our beloved local businesses this season.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
HAC events are collaborative, grassroots, community efforts. They're incredibly rewarding to be a part and watch come to together. We have a spectacular event in store for you this year, but we need your help to pull it off!
Volunteers are needed to support both pre-event planning and day-of event tasks. If you love Solstice Lantern Walk and want to get involved to support this experience for the entire community, click below to let us know and get looped in on our upcoming volunteer needs. Help us bring the 2022 Solstice Lantern Walk to life!
CALLING ALL BAKERS!
This year, HAC continues collaboration with Homes for the Holidays: A Hillsborough Gingerbread Tradition, to bring gingerbread scenes to local shop windows for the entire community to enjoy on solstice and throughout the winter season.
2022 GINGERBREAD THEME:
The setting of your favorite children's story.
Bake for a cause, add your favorite childhood scene to the magic of winter in downtown Hillsborough, show off your creativity and baking skills, and win fantastic prizes donated by local businesses!
Gingerbread registration opens November 1-20, 2022!
CRAFTING YOUR LANTERN!
Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop
Hours of Operation:
Tues-Sun, 12-4
+Extended Hours
Fri & Sat, 11-7
BYO LANTERN GUIDELINES:
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Get creative and have fun with it!
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Lanterns should be handmade and winter-themed.
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Please use winter or star-colored LEDs only. No flames. No red or green LEDs.
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Bells and chimes are welcome.
LANTERN KITS:
We're so excited to announce that this year's Lantern Kits were made in collaboration with the North Carolina Museum of Art!
Kits go ON SALE in the HAC Gallery & Gift Shop Tuesday, November 1, and in the NCMA Store starting November 9.
*All kit proceeds from both locations benefit HAC!
WORKSHOPS:
NCMA Handmade Paper Lanterns Open Studio
November 19, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$12 Members, $14 Nonmembers
Make & Take Lanterns at November's
Last Friday & the Art Walk
November 25, 2022, 6-9 PM
Advanced Lantern-Making Workshop
December 17, 2022, 1-4 PM
*Full details for workshops in Hillsborough, including teaching artist announcements and registration coming soon to this page. Signup for e-news or follow us on socials to hear first!
GET INSPIRED!
We highly encourage you to follow your inspiration and bring your wildest lantern dreams to life.
Consider natural or up-cycled materials you have around your home! E.g. dried leaves, flowers, and herbs all make excellent lantern decorations. Sticks, reeds, cardboard, recycled fabric, wool or paper can help with structure. Check out this 2022 Solstice Lantern Walk Pinterest Board or the videos linked below to help stir your imagination.
Want to protect your lanterns from the elements?
To help seal paper lanterns, coat them with a clear aerosol lacquer spray.