Aldgate in Winter - Lantern Trail

Aldgate in Winter Festival is back for its 9th edition, featuring a showstopper new lantern trail.

About the Lantern Trail

Aldgate Connect BID is delighted to present the Aldgate in Winter Festival’s Lantern Trail.

Dates: Thursday 27th November – Wednesday 17th December
Locations: Across Aldgate

Aldgate in Winter Festival is back for its 9th edition! With a bigger programme than ever, meaning more events, workshops, and a whole three week Lantern Trail.

You can explore it in your own time and at your own pace, as the trail lights up the area. Wander through Aldgate’s streets to discover 8 spectacular large-scale lanterns crafted by students from the local primary schools.

Each lantern enlivens a window space, turning Aldgate’s streets into a gallery of imagination and joy. Expect to spot everything from gingerbread houses, double-decker buses, and submarines, to Austin the Taxi and Crunchy Charlie.

Each of these lanterns plays a special part in the festival beyond the trail, they’re brought out and paraded through Aldgate in the annual Lantern Parade. The community-led procession will take place as part of the Main Event Day on Friday 5th December. It’s your chance to see the lanterns not just as installations, but as they light up the streets of Aldgate.

Lantern Trail Map

Download Trail Map

Download our trail map here, and discover what's on offer.

Interactive Digital Map

Or take a look at our interactive digital map here, to plan your route.

More about Aldgate in Winter Festival

This year’s Aldgate in Winter Festival is returning with a bigger programme than ever! Join us for more festive fun at our main event days, workshops, and more.

Christmas Tree Switch On
Thursday 4th December | Aldgate Square | 12:00-2:30pm & 3:30-7:00pm
Bringing a whole additional day of activities, join us on Thursday 4th December for Mulled Wine/Hot Chocolate & pastry giveaways from 12:00-2:30pm, a programme of live performances on The Aldgate Stage from 12:00-2:30pm and 3:30-7:00pm, as well as the Aldgate Christmas Tree Switch On at 5:00pm.

Main Event Day
Friday 5th December | Aldgate Square | 3:30-8:00pm
Friday remains the main event day for the festival running from 3:30-8:00pm, bringing together live performances on The Aldgate Stage, creative workshops, the iconic Lantern Parade through the streets of Aldgate from 5:00pm, a warming free community feast from 6:00pm (kindly sponsored by Howden Group), and more.

Creative Workshops
Tuesday 2nd December | Alba at Whitechapel Gallery | 12:00-1:00pm & 1:00-2:00pm
This year’s festival features 2 free lantern-making creative workshops, giving you the chance make your very own lantern for the festival. Can’t make the workshop? Pick up a Lantern Making Pack!

Find out more