Full Notification

Hilton Head Island’s shoreline will shine on Saturday, Nov. 14, when hundreds of glowing lanterns parade along Coligny Beach for the Town’s annual Lantern Parade.

This event celebrates the Island’s rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit. It features large scale creations by acclaimed lantern artist Chantelle Rytter, alongside hundreds of lanterns made by residents, visitors, school groups, and local organizations. Four bands will keep the parade moving: the Black Sheep Ensemble, Kanola Band, the U.S. Marine Corps Dirty Boots Brass Band, and the Atlanta Drum Academy.

Here’s what you need to know:

Time and Route
Lineup begins at 5 p.m. at the Alder Lane beach access and the parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. Participants will head north along South Forest Beach, exit through the Beach House parking lot, and finish at Lowcountry Celebration Park. View the parade route map here.

Traffic is expected to be heavy on Pope Avenue and Palmetto Bay Road from 4 to 6 p.m. and again after the parade ends. Residents and visitors traveling through the area should allow extra time.

Parking Locations
• Coligny Beach Parking Lot
• Former Wild Wings lot, 72 Pope Avenue
• Former Aunt Chilada’s lot, 69 Pope Avenue.
• First Baptist Church,100 S. Forest Beach Dr.
• St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 50 Pope Avenue
• Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway, access the church parking area from Woodward Avenue
• USCB’s Hilton Head Island campus, 1 Sand Shark Dr.

Shuttle Service
A shuttle will run between the USCB campus and the parade from 4:15 to 9:15 p.m. To reduce traffic, marchers and spectators traveling in groups are encouraged to have one person drop off the group near the parade start or a viewing area, then park at USCB and ride the shuttle. After the parade, the whole group can ride the shuttle from Lowcountry Celebration Park back to USCB.

Accessible Parking and Viewing
Part of the southern end of the Coligny Beach Parking Lot, along the tree line near the South Forest Beach Drive access, will be reserved for accessible parking and viewing. Volunteers will check hangtags for all vehicles in this area.

Where to watch the parade
Spectators can watch anywhere along the beach between Alder Lane and the Beach House or catch the finale at Lowcountry Celebration Park. If you can’t make it in person, watch the live stream on the Beaufort County Channel.

Spectator Guidelines
• Follow the directions of Town staff, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies, security officers, and volunteers.
• Keep the parade route clear.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Stay off the dunes.
• Dogs are welcomed with spectators but may not walk in the parade.
• Bikes are welcome for getting to the event but may not be ridden in the parade.

Participant Guidelines
• Every marcher must carry a lantern.
• Do not pass or crowd the bands.
• Follow the directions of volunteers and marshals.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Give large lanterns plenty of room.
• No bicycles or pets.
• No open-flame or sky lanterns, which are prohibited in South Carolina.

Groups planning to march should email [email protected] with the group’s name, number of participants, and a contact email and phone number.

More at Lowcountry Celebration Park
Food trucks and beverages will be available from 3 to 9 p.m. Local favorite Groove Town Assault will perform before and after the parade arrives.

For additional information on the Lantern Parade, visit culturehhi.org.