What to buy for a lantern parade

A lantern parade needs more than lanterns and sticks. You will need supplies for making or distributing lanterns, a clearly marked route, safe lighting, volunteer coordination, and a practical registration area. This shopping list covers the core items for the craft tables, parade route, refreshments, and event setup. Check quantities against your expected attendance, then add a small reserve for damaged lanterns, lost batteries, and last-minute registrations.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Craft tablesqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 10
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Lanternsqty 120
Lantern sticksqty 120
LED tea lightsqty 150
Colored craft paperqty 250
Markersqty 12
Children's scissorsqty 12
Glue sticksqty 24
Staplersqty 4
Rolls of tapeqty 8
Ropeqty 2

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Traffic lightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 16
Flashlightsqty 10
Batteriesqty 40
Route mapsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 20
Wristbandsqty 150
Traffic conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Route signsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coffee spoonsqty 80

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Washing-up basinsqty 3
First aid kit
Fire blanketqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Sparkling Lemonade - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini currant buns - 100 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 3 bags
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Organic waste bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Tasting cups - 150 pieces

Tips

Plan one lantern kit per registered participant, then buy 5–10% extra craft paper, markers, glue sticks, tape, and other consumables. Extra kits prevent children from waiting if something is damaged or a late arrival needs one.
Use LED lanterns or LED tea lights rather than open flames, and keep spare batteries available. Check every light before the parade and test the lanterns again shortly before departure.
Allow at least one reflective vest for every route volunteer and place flashlights with the people checking darker sections. Keep walkie-talkies charged and use a megaphone for instructions at the start and during stops.
Set aside enough tables and chairs for registration and crafts, plus tablecloths and clear signs. Registration often takes longest during the first 15–20 minutes, so separate the check-in point from the lantern distribution table.
Prepare refreshments for the full route, not just the start. Use coolers for cold drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks, and plan roughly two drinks per person for the first hour, with extra for volunteers.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a lantern parade?: You need lanterns, lantern sticks, LED tea lights or LED lanterns, batteries, and craft materials such as colored paper, markers, glue, children's scissors, staplers, and tape. Also prepare route lighting, reflective vests, flashlights, communication equipment, tables, chairs, drinks, and coolers.
How many lanterns should I buy for a lantern parade?: Buy one lantern for every registered participant and add 5–10% spare lanterns or lantern kits. For 100 participants, that means preparing 105–110 lanterns or kits.
How many volunteers and reflective vests are needed for a lantern parade?: Use at least one route volunteer for every 15–20 participants, with additional people at registration and the craft tables. Provide one reflective vest per route volunteer and keep a few spare vests available.
How much food and drink do I need for a lantern parade?: Plan about two drinks per person for the first hour, then add more if the event lasts longer or the weather is warm. Bring extra drinks for volunteers and use coolers or thermos flasks so refreshments remain usable throughout the event.

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