What to buy for a lantern procession

A lantern procession needs more than lanterns. You will also need spare batteries, route markers, lighting for the reception point, power equipment and practical items for volunteers and participants. Buy non-perishable supplies first, then collect fresh items close to the event and keep them cool. Use your final participant and volunteer numbers to adjust quantities, while keeping extra batteries and backup lighting for the route.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tablecloth coversqty 10

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 12
Battery lampsqty 10
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Spare AA batteriesqty 48
AAA spare batteriesqty 48
LED tea lightsqty 150
Lantern polesqty 120
Paper lanternsqty 120
Reflective vestsqty 20
Headlampsqty 10

Decorations

Paper garlandsqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Welcome sign
Route signsqty 18
Route arrowsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Table numbersqty 8

Equipment

Portable speaker
Microphone
Megaphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Battery chargersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Hand trucksqty 2
Cable reelsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Soup bowlsqty 150
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Soup kettlesqty 3
Food warmersqty 4
Serving jugsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice bucketsqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 3
Serving plattersqty 12
Bread cutting boardsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Pliersqty 8
Food prep glovesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Toilet paper holdersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 60 liters
- Carbonated water - 30 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 10 liters
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine - 24 liters
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Hot chocolate - 12 liters
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemon slices - 3 kilogram
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Vegetable soup - 30 liters
- Soup vegetables - 6 kilograms
- Vegetable stock - 3 packs
- Vermicelli - 2 kilogram
- Baguettes - 30 pieces
- Herb butter - 20 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Ham slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Mandarins - 10 kilogram
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Spiced cookies - 8 packs
- Marshmallows - 6 bags
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Nutmeg - 2 jars
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Bamboo skewers - 300 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- AA batteries - 12 packs
- AAA batteries - 12 packs
- Tape - 10 rolls
- Rope - 6 rolls
- Markers - 40 pieces
- Colored pencils - 20 boxes
- Wasco - 20 boxes
- Glue sticks - 40 pieces
- Colored paper - 20 packs
- Tissue paper - 10 packs
- Sticker sheets - 30 sheets

Tips

Plan at least one working LED lantern or light source per participant, plus 10% extra for replacements. Check every lantern before the procession and charge rechargeable units the day before.
Buy spare batteries for every battery-powered item, including lanterns, lamps, megaphones and walkie-talkies. A practical minimum is one full spare set per device type, with power banks and chargers ready as backup.
Mark the route with signs, arrows, cones and barrier tape at every turn, crossing and bottleneck. Set these out before participants arrive, and keep extra route arrows available in case signs are moved.
Pack the reception point separately: welcome sign, tables, tablecloths, registration materials, battery lamps and extension equipment. Keep this box accessible so volunteers can set up without opening the route-safety supplies.
Bring more communication equipment than the bare minimum: one walkie-talkie for each key volunteer position and at least two megaphones for a large group. Test the speaker, microphone, cable reels and power strips before loading them.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a lantern procession?: Plan for lanterns or LED lights, spare AA and AAA batteries, route signs, arrows, cones, barrier tape, battery lamps and power equipment. You may also need tables, tents, a welcome sign, communication equipment and materials for the reception desk.
How many lanterns do I need per person?: Allow one working lantern or light source per participant, then add about 10% extra. For 100 participants, prepare at least 110 usable lanterns or equivalent lights.
How many spare batteries should I buy for a lantern procession?: Buy one complete spare set for each battery-powered device type as a minimum, and more if the route is long or the event lasts several hours. Check the battery type in every lantern, lamp, megaphone and walkie-talkie before shopping.
When should I buy supplies for a lantern procession?: Buy non-perishable items, decorations and route-marking materials several days in advance. Check lanterns and charge rechargeable equipment the day before, then buy or collect fresh refreshments on the event day and keep them cool.

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