Winter solstice has to be one of the most magical times of the year. Exciting because it is the ‘hump day’ of the year and the days are only going to get longer - but also because of the wonderful community celebrations. The Yarra Ranges do their Winter Solstice celebrating in the form of the annual Belgrave Lantern Parade to become the Belgrave Lantern Festival!

On the night of June 22, 2024 the entire township is joining in on the festivities with pop up spaces all throughout the laneways, streets and arcades. Expect to see circus arts, fire pits, music, food and arts … as well as the famous parade on the Main Street starting between 5:30 and 5:45pm with the side festivities running from 5pm - 8pm. We can’t wait!

Oh and if you want to MAKE your own lantern - there are workshops for that too - CLICK HERE to head to the Facebook page and find all the sessions.

Mamma’s special mention: Being winter, it gets dark early - making this a perfect early evening adventure from about 5pm onwards (we go there at 5:30 on the dot). Back it up by grabbing dinner from one of the locals in town and make a full night of it. Just remember you will probably need to book ahead of time if you are looking to dine in at most venues.

Below is some of the magic that has happened over the previous years and is set return in the years to come.