REGISTER HERE for Lantern-Making Workshops
RSVP HERE to the Lantern Parade

Every year, as winter loosens its grip and the days grow longer, the east end of Toronto fills with colour, light and community spirit at Light It Up 2026: An East Toronto Lantern Celebration! This beloved event invites people of all ages to embrace creativity, connection and hope through lantern-making and a community parade. Presented by East End Arts in collaboration with Shadowland Theatre and Workman Arts, the 2026 edition marks the sixth year of this joyful celebration.

Workshops to Ignite Your Creativity

The lantern celebration begins with a series of free lantern-making workshops happening throughout late winter and early spring. From February 24 to March 14, 2026, participants can drop into hands-on sessions at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse in East Toronto to craft unique lanterns. All materials and expert guidance are provided, and sessions are open to community members aged ten and up. These gatherings are not only about creating art – they’re opportunities to connect with neighbours and share in the collective anticipation of spring’s return.

The workshop dates and times are below:

• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 6:30-8:30 PM
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – 6:30-8:30 PM
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 6:30-8:30 PM
• Saturday, March 14, 2026 – 12:00-3:00 PM

A Night to Shine: Lantern Parade and Celebration

The luminous highlight of the event is the Community Lantern Parade on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 PM in Riverdale Park East. At this time of year, around the Spring Equinox, day and night are in balance, symbolising renewal, hope, and the gradual shift toward longer, brighter days. Lantern-bearers of all ages gather to light up the park as dusk falls, creating a glowing procession of colour and warmth. The evening also features music, complimentary hot chocolate and a communal fire that invites conversation and reflection.

Connecting Through Light and Art

Light It Up is more than a parade – it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and shared experience. The lanterns, crafted by residents, become symbols of light overcoming darkness and community bonds growing stronger. Whether attendees choose to make lanterns at the workshops or at home, the joy of seeing all those lights come together in one place creates a magical atmosphere that inspires hope for the coming season.

Family Friendly and Free to All

One of the event’s defining features is its accessibility. Both lantern workshops and the parade are free to participate in, reflecting East End Arts’ mission to make the arts welcoming to everyone in the community. Registration is encouraged for workshops and parade attendance, helping organisers plan for a memorable evening. But there’s also room for spontaneous involvement – families and friends can simply show up with their glowing creations and join in the celebration.

As winter fades and spring approaches, Light It Up 2026 offers East Toronto a chance to come together, make beautiful lanterns and usher in the season of light with warmth, music and shared joy.

ABOUT SHADOWLAND THEATRE

Shadowland Theatre’s primary focus is to work with a wide range of communities to unearth their distinctive histories, create new stories and celebrate special events. They are known for animating streets, parks, and communities with bold design sensibility and raucous theatricality. Community collaborations can take place over a number of weeks or months, culminating in large-scale, outdoor shows that leave a legacy of skills and inspiration. Shadowland works in rural and urban landscapes and has a strong commitment to environmentally-themed, site-engaged work that connects us to the rhythms of our natural world.

ABOUT WORKMAN ARTS

Workman Arts is a multidisciplinary arts organization that promotes a greater understanding of mental health and addiction issues through creation and presentation. They support artists with lived experience through peer-to-peer arts education, public presentations and partnerships with the broader arts community. Workman Arts is the longest-running multidisciplinary arts and mental health organization in Canada.