What to Buy for a Lantern Walk

A lantern walk needs more than lanterns. You will need reliable lights for the route, spare batteries, clear markers, warm drinks and serving supplies for the finish. Plan for every participant to have a visible light, then add backup lighting for volunteers and dark sections. This shopping list also covers practical items that are easy to forget, such as extension cords, thermos flasks, cups, route arrows and equipment for the information and registration desks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 10
LED lanternsqty 40
LED tea lightsqty 120
Flashlightsqty 8
Headlampsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 80

Decorations

Light-up wristbandsqty 100
Glow necklacesqty 80
Paper lanternsqty 30
Route arrowsqty 25
Reflective ribbonsqty 10
Balloonsqty 50

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Thermos flasksqty 6
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Thermal glovesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Broomqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Cup ice cream - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Mandarins - 50 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Speculaas - 4 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper tissues - 10 packs

Tips

Plan one lantern or other visible light per participant, plus at least one flashlight or headlamp for every route marshal. Keep spare batteries with the lighting equipment rather than leaving them at home.
Buy enough route arrows and reflective ribbons to mark every turn, crossing and unclear section. Walk the route beforehand and add extra markers where street lighting is poor.
For hot drinks, allow one reusable cup per person and keep at least 10% extra cups available. Use kettles or thermos flasks so drinks can be served without sending people back to the start.
Do not rely on a single power socket. Bring extension cords and power strips for the information desk, lighting and kettles, and check that all cables stay away from walking areas.
Prepare the finish area for wet or cold weather with tables, chairs and party tents if needed. Put plates, cutlery, cutting boards and knives together before shopping so serving snacks does not depend on a last-minute kitchen run.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern walk?: Plan for one visible lantern or light per participant, plus extra lights for route marshals and volunteers. Add roughly 10% spare lighting if children may lose or drop a lantern.
How many cups and hot drinks should I buy for a lantern walk?: Allow one cup per person, with 10% extra for replacements and second servings. For drinks, plan around 2 cups per person if you expect a warm drink at the finish and some people will want a refill.
How many spare batteries do I need for a lantern walk?: Buy at least one complete spare battery set for every battery-powered light, and keep another 10% backup for a larger group. Test every light before the event rather than discovering flat batteries at the start.
What should I buy to mark a lantern walk route?: Use route arrows for every turn and decision point, with reflective ribbons at dark or roadside sections. Check the route 1 to 2 days beforehand and buy extra markers after the final walk-through.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.