SAVE THE DATE
Elizabeth City Lantern Parade
Thursday, December 31, 2026
6:00 PM Parade Kickoff
Downtown Elizabeth City, NC
Parade route and more info coming soon!
On December 31st, 2026 AOA and Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. invite you to flood the streets with light, as we march into the New Year together during our city’s second annual lantern parade!
This free community event encourages community members and visitors of all ages to join the parade with their own lanterns—all shapes, sizes, and styles of lanterns are welcome. Parade route to be announced soon.
Questions? Email us at eclanternparade@artsaoa.com
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The parade is free for all to participate! This is a family friendly opportunity to see beautiful works of art or participate with your own. The walking parade will take place in downtown Elizabeth City.
Stay tuned for more information about the route and meeting place.
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Yes! Lighted lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and kinds are welcome!
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AOA’s Lantern Committee is thrilled to offer a variety of lantern-making workshops throughout the year. See below for opportunities to participate in a lantern-making experience. More workshops will be listed throughout the year.
Can’t make it to any of our workshops? Feel free to use your creativity to make your own design.
Here are some easy at-home tutorials:
Upcoming Lantern Workshops
Date: Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: AOA’s Madrin Studio -115 N. Poindexter St.
Price: $50 for AOA members, $60 for Non-Members
Teacher: Linda Starr
Capacity: 16
Description: You will work in teams of two to assist each other with the construction. Each person will leave with a lantern.
Supplies are included. Please bring the following: gloves for handling wire, eye protection, closed toed shoes, wire cutters, needle nose pliers.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to advanced, Sewing experience would be very helpful.
Lunch: Pizza lunch provided. if you would prefer to bring your own lunch, you are welcome to, there is a refrigerator available.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 10am -2pm
Location: AOA’s Madrin Studio 115 N. Poindexter St
Price: $30 Members, $40 Non - Members
Teacher: Susan Hankinson
Capacity: 20
Description:
Supplies are included, however if you have a hot glue gun, please bring it.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Lunch - Please bring your own lunch, there is a refrigerator available
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 10AM-2PM
Location: AOA’s Madrin Studio. 115 N. Poindexter St
Price: $30 (Members), $40 (Non-Members)
Capacity: 20
Description:
Supplies are included, however if you have a hot glue gun, please bring it.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Lunch: Bring your own lunch, there is a refrigerator available.
Date: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: AOA’s Madrin Studio - 115 N. Poindexter St.
Price: $50 for AOA Members, $60 for Non-Members
Capacity: 15
Teachers: Matt and Sylvia Schelly
Description:
Supplies are included
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Lunch will be provided, however you may bring your own, refrigerator is available.