What to Buy for a Lantern Walk

A lantern walk needs more than lanterns and a clear route. You will need visible signs, spare batteries, lighting for cyclists and volunteers, and equipment for registration and refreshments at the start. Plan supplies around your expected attendance, then add replacements for items that can fail in the dark or wet weather. This checklist covers the practical purchases and equipment to arrange before the walk, including route safety, power and first aid.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6
Waste binsqty 6

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 20
LED bike lightsqty 120
Headlampsqty 8
AA batteriesqty 48
AAA batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Paper lanternsqty 30
Balloonsqty 50
Decorative ribbonqty 4
Table décorqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Route and safety

Route signsqty 20
Arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 4
High-visibility vestsqty 12
Reflective armbandsqty 120
First aid kitsqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 2
Tire repair kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mini wraps - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Herb cheese - 12 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian sandwich salad - 12 containers
- Chicken salad - 12 containers
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one route sign or arrow at every turn, junction and confusing section, then print a few spare signs in case one is damaged or moved.
Prepare two or three light sources for every volunteer working after dark: for example a high-visibility vest with a headlamp, reflective armband or LED light. Keep spare AA and AAA batteries at registration.
Allow one registration table, seating for people who need it, and a clearly marked place for route maps and participant lists. Pack pens, power banks and extension leads before setup day.
Test every LED string light, lantern and bike light at least 24 hours before the walk. Bring spare batteries and a power strip so charging or lighting does not depend on one socket.
Put a first aid kit, bike pump and tire repair kit at the start location, and decide who carries or monitors them. Store barrier tape and extra directional arrows where a volunteer can reach them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern walk?: Provide one lantern or personal light for each participant who is expected to walk without another light source. Add at least 10% extra lights or batteries for failures, children sharing equipment and late registrations.
How many route signs are needed for a lantern walk?: Count every turn, crossing, entrance and point where walkers could take the wrong path, then add 10% spare signs or arrows. Check the route on foot before printing so signs are visible from the approach direction.
What lighting should volunteers wear on a lantern walk?: Give each traffic post or route volunteer a high-visibility vest and a visible light, such as a headlamp, reflective armband or LED light. Have one spare light and one spare battery set for every 5 to 10 volunteers.
When should I test the lantern walk equipment?: Test lanterns, string lights, bike lights, headlamps and power supplies at least 24 hours before the event. Check route signs and safety equipment again on the day, before participants arrive, and keep replacements at the starting location.

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