Your Guide to the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade: A Magical Night for Families

The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade is one of the city’s most-loved traditions — a glowing nighttime walk where thousands of people carry handmade lanterns along the Eastside Trail. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, seasonal activity in Atlanta, this is a standout event.

Below is everything Atlanta families need to know: what it is, when it usually happens, where to go, how to join in, and how to make it fun (and manageable) with kids.

What Is the BeltLine Lantern Parade?

The BeltLine Lantern Parade is an evening procession of people walking along a section of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, carrying glowing lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

A few key things to know:

• It’s usually held once a year, often in the late summer or early fall.
• It’s designed for all ages — toddlers in strollers, teens, parents, and grandparents all participate.
• The focus is on community, creativity, and light, not on performance or competition.
• You can walk in the parade with a lantern or watch from the sidelines.

You’ll see everything from simple paper lanterns on sticks to giant, elaborate creations. Marching bands, drum lines, and neighborhood groups sometimes join in, making it feel like a glowing street festival.

When and Where the Parade Happens in Atlanta

Dates and exact routes can change, so always confirm the latest details before you go. But the structure is usually similar each year.

Typical Time of Year

The Lantern Parade is usually scheduled for:

• Season: Late summer or early fall
• Time of day: After dark, often around 8–9 p.m. start time, with pre-parade activities earlier in the evening

Because timing can shift due to weather or other events, check ahead the same week you plan to attend.

Typical Location on the BeltLine

The parade usually happens on or near the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine, which runs through neighborhoods like:

• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park
• Poncey-Highland
• Virginia-Highland (connecting area)
• Reynoldstown (nearby in some years)

Common gathering points in past years have included areas near:

• Irwin Street / Krog Street (southern Eastside Trail area)
• Ponce City Market area (mid-trail landmark)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (a frequent hub for family meetups)

Because routes and staging spots can be adjusted, treat these as reference points, not guarantees.

How to Find Official Event Details in Atlanta

For the most current, Atlanta-specific details, you can use these resources:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
  100 Peachtree St NW, Suite 2300
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 477-3003

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (for city-supported arts events)
  233 Peachtree St NE, Harris Tower, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 546-6815

These offices can point you to up-to-date information about parade dates, times, accessibility, and any special rules for the year you’re attending.

Is the Lantern Parade Family-Friendly?

Yes. The Lantern Parade is widely treated in Atlanta as a signature family event.

Parents in the metro area typically appreciate that:

• You can choose how long you stay and where you watch.
• Kids can be active participants by making and carrying a lantern.
• The route is on a multi-use path rather than a busy roadway.
• There’s usually a festive atmosphere without being overly rowdy.

However, it can get very crowded, especially near popular spots like Ponce City Market, so families with younger children should plan ahead for:

• Noise (music, cheering, live bands)
• Tight spaces on the trail at peak times
• Late hours, which may push past normal bedtimes

Participating vs. Watching: Which Is Better for Your Family?

You can enjoy the BeltLine Lantern Parade in two main ways: walking in it or watching it. Both work for families; your choice depends on your kids’ ages and comfort level.

Option 1: Walking in the Parade

Families who enjoy arts-and-crafts and don’t mind crowds often love joining the procession.

Pros:

• Kids feel like they’re “in” the parade, not just spectators.
• Carrying a lantern gives little ones a job and focal point.
• Great for photos and memories.

Things to consider:

• You’ll walk a good distance along the BeltLine.
• You may be in crowds for several hours door-to-door.
• You’ll need to coordinate transport or parking at both ends if you don’t loop back.

This is usually best for school-age kids and up, or toddlers comfortable in strollers or carriers.

Option 2: Watching from the Sidelines

If you have very young kids or want to “try it out” first, pick a viewing spot along the trail.

Pros:

• You can arrive and leave when it suits your family.
• Easier restroom and snack stops if you choose a spot near shops (like Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, or Old Fourth Ward restaurants).
• Less walking in tight crowds.

Things to consider:

• You may need to arrive early to get a good viewing space in popular areas.
• Some segments of the trail are darker and may feel busy for stroller navigation.

Simple Overview for Families

Getting There: Transportation and Parking Tips

Atlanta traffic and BeltLine parking can be challenging, especially on special event nights. Planning your route makes the evening much smoother.

MARTA and Public Transit

Using MARTA is often the easiest option for major BeltLine events.

Popular rail stations near Eastside Trail access points include:

• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line)
  – Good for the southern Eastside Trail area near Krog Street and Inman Park.

• North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line)
  – From here, it’s a longer walk or short rideshare to Ponce City Market or Old Fourth Ward.

You can also combine MARTA with:

• Atlanta Streetcar (for getting closer to downtown connections)
• Short rideshare or taxi rides to the trail entry points

For up-to-date schedules and routes:

• MARTA Customer Information: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you drive, expect crowded parking near:

• Ponce City Market
• Krog Street Market
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Nearby neighborhood streets

Tips for families:

• Leave plenty of extra time for finding parking.
• Pay close attention to residential parking restrictions and posted signs in neighborhoods like Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward.
• Consider parking a little farther from the core route and walking in along the trail or surface streets.

Making or Getting a Lantern in Atlanta

A big part of the experience is carrying your own lantern. Families in Atlanta usually choose from three approaches.

1. Make a Simple Lantern at Home

You can make kid-friendly lanterns using:

• Paper bags or cardstock
• Tissue paper
• Glue, tape, markers, and stickers
• LED tea lights or battery-operated fairy lights
• Wooden dowels or sticks for handles

🏠 Home tip:
Avoid open flames; use battery-powered lights only. The trail is crowded, and Atlanta evenings can be warm — safer and easier all around.

2. Join a Local Lantern-Making Workshop

In years when the parade is scheduled, local Atlanta organizations sometimes host lantern workshops, especially in neighborhoods along the BeltLine.

Workshops may be held at:

• Community arts centers
• Neighborhood associations (for example, Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park community groups)
• Libraries or recreation centers

To find current options, you can contact:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 546-6813

Staff there can often direct you to community centers or rec programs that know about neighborhood events and workshops.

3. Purchase a Lantern or Supplies Locally

Many families pick up craft supplies or ready-made lanterns from larger retailers and craft stores around metro Atlanta. Look for:

• Battery-operated candles
• LED string lights
• Lightweight paper lanterns
• Glow sticks and reflective tape (helpful for visibility)

Choose items that are lightweight for kids to carry and sturdy enough to survive a few bumps along the trail.

What to Bring for a BeltLine Lantern Parade with Kids

Packing smart can make the night a lot more comfortable.

Consider bringing:

• Lanterns + extra batteries or backup LED candles
• Water bottles (Atlanta evenings can still be warm, especially in early fall)
• Light snacks if your kids get hungry quickly
• Weather-appropriate layers (it may cool down after dark)
• Comfortable walking shoes for everyone
• Small flashlight or phone light for navigating darker side paths
• Stroller for toddlers or early elementary kids, especially if they may tire before the end

For babies and very young toddlers, a front carrier or backpack carrier can sometimes be easier than managing a stroller in tight crowds.

Safety and Accessibility on the Trail

Event conditions can vary by year, but some common-sense points apply in Atlanta:

Crowd Safety with Children

• Set a meeting point in case anyone gets separated (for example, a clearly visible landmark such as a bridge, mural, or specific building near the trail).
• Consider ID bands or cards in kids’ pockets with your cell number.
• Walk single file when the trail narrows to avoid blocking bikes or other walkers.

Accessibility Considerations

The Eastside Trail is generally:

• Paved and relatively flat, with gentle inclines in some areas
• Used by pedestrians, bikes, scooters, and strollers simultaneously

For specific questions about accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility devices, or service animals, you can reach out to Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. at (404) 477-3003 and ask about trail conditions and event-day accommodations.

Choosing a Good Spot on the BeltLine for Families

The “best” location depends on your kids’ ages, your tolerance for crowds, and your exit plan.

Here are some commonly used areas and what families often like about them:

• Near Krog Street / Inman Park:
  – Often less commercial, more neighborhood feel
  – Some local restaurants and Krog Street Market within walking distance
  – Typically easier to find side streets to step away from the crowd

• Old Fourth Ward / Historic Fourth Ward Park area:
  – Big open green spaces where kids can regroup
  – Near a cluster of food and restroom options
  – Can be crowded, but good visibility

• Ponce City Market area:
  – Very lively, high energy, lots of food options
  – Convenient if you want to combine the parade with dinner or dessert
  – Often one of the busiest sections of the trail

Families with younger kids often prefer to gather a bit away from the densest crowds, where there’s still plenty to see but more room to move.

Weather and Backup Plans

Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly, especially around late summer and early fall.

To prepare:

• Check the forecast on the morning of the parade.
• Pack light rain jackets or ponchos if there’s a chance of showers.
• Have a backup plan: a shorter viewing window, or an earlier departure, if the weather turns or kids get tired.

If storms are expected, organizers may adjust timing or make announcements; that’s another reason to verify details with Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. or local event listings shortly before you go.

Tips to Make the Night Easier with Kids

A few Atlanta-specific strategies can make the BeltLine Lantern Parade feel more manageable:

• Eat before you go. Nearby restaurants can be busy; consider an early dinner at home or a neighborhood spot away from the trail, then head in.
• Arrive before dark if your kids don’t like being dropped into big crowds suddenly. Watching the trail slowly fill up can be less overwhelming.
• Set expectations. Let kids know there may be waiting, slow walking, and loud music in some stretches.
• Plan your exit path. Know ahead of time how you’ll get back to your car, MARTA, or home so you’re not figuring it out with tired children at 10 p.m.

The BeltLine Lantern Parade has become a signature Atlanta family tradition because it’s simple at heart: neighbors walking together, lighting up the city’s favorite trail. With a bit of planning around transportation, lanterns, and kid comfort, it can be one of the most memorable seasonal activities you share in Atlanta.