Water Lantern Festival 2024 in Virginia

Held on the territory of Mount Trashmore Park, the annual Water Lantern festival promises a one-of-a-kind magical experience. You’ll be able to join thousands of people in a spectacular and meaningful ceremony. The organizers have also prepared other activities besides lantern launching, like food tasting and live music. Water lantern Festival was selected #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA Today two years in a row.

VA Water Lantern Festival is a magical night with thousands of lanterns bearing the messages of hope, love, and forgiveness. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns orange, and the clock strikes 8:30 pm, you’ll have a chance to release signed lanterns onto the water and enjoy the luminous nighttime show with the crowd. Observing your personal message drifting out into the water together with other lanterns, carrying memories and connections, is a sight you'll never forget.

Tickets and Hours

An adult ticket costs $28.33 plus $5.97 fee. Each ticket includes a wristband for entry into the festival grounds, one floating lantern kit, a marker, a drawstring bag, playing cards, conversation cards, and a scavenger hunt giveaway entry. The tickets are non-refundable. An adult ticket with protection, which protects your purchase from unforeseen circumstances, costs $32.33 and a $5.97 fee. Date Night Special option offers a 25% discount on two adult tickets with ticket Protection costs $71.11 and a $9.86 fee. It includes two wristbands, two floating lantern kits, two markers, two drawstring bags, two sets of playing cards, two sets of conversation cards, two scavenger hunt giveaway entries, and one mandala throw to share. Children (ages 8-14) can get a non-refundable ticket for $13.70 plus a $2.98 fee. Kids, aged 7 and younger, can get a ticket for free, but it doesn't include a lantern kit. VA Water Lantern Festival runs from 5 pm until 9:30 pm.