KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO...
Solstice
Lantern Walk + Market
REMINDER TO REGISTER
Get ready to join us by lantern light on the darkest night of the year: Winter Solstice, Saturday, Dec. 21, from 5-8 PM, at the Farmers Market Pavilion in Hillsborough, NC, for the 2024 Solstice Lantern Walk & Market! Whether watching or walking, registering for a ticket is required to attend this event.
Tickets are free with a suggested donation of $5-10 per person. Donations are nonrefundable.
HAC and Churton Street Champion sponsor, Paynter Law Firm, are offering an exclusive Solstice Lantern Walk mug for registrants who can show proof of a $15+ per person donation with their 2024 registration. Mugs will be available on-site at Solstice Market while supplies last.
This year's mug features textile artwork by Elaine O'Neil, inspired by Solstice Lantern Walk!
Pictured is a preview image of this year's design, not the final product.
EXPECT CHILLY WEATHER
This is a winter event, and rain-or-shine (barring severe or prohibitive conditions), so be sure to bundle up with gloves, scarves, hats, winter coat, etc. to ensure you're cozy throughout the evening!
POCKET MONEY
Solstice Market will be taking place 5-8 PM under the Farmers Market Pavilion. Click here to learn about the market artists, music, and experiences for 2024!
We encourage you to bring pocket money in case you'd like to warm your hands with a hot cocoa or apple cider, grab a snack, support local artists, and stock up on any last minute artist-made gifts.
Beyond the walk, many local businesses will be celebrating this annual community tradition with Solstice Specials & Promotions. We highly encourage you to visit Hillsborough this winter season to enjoy dinner, desserts, peruse artist wares, and be sure to tour the the gingerbread houses on display in many local shop windows Dec. 7th through Jan. 5th, 2025!
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Our aim is to bring the stars to the ground on this quiet solstice evening! Of course, you'll need your brilliant lantern. If you still need to craft a lantern, click here for Solstice Lantern Resources.
You're also encouraged to carry a flashlight to help with navigating around on the darkest night of the year! There will be sections of Riverwalk that are rather dark. We'll do our best to set up ground-level lighting, but stay alert as you trek the boardwalks.
Please be mindful to keep flashlights facing the ground at all times and out of the eyes of your fellow participants. LEDs only. No flames.
PARKING
We expect high traffic and encourage prioritizing on-street parking a few blocks away from the Farmers Market Pavilion before walking into the event if possible. Hillsborough's public parking options are limited. Early arrival for priority parking is recommended. For comprehensive details on parking available in downtown Hillsborough, NC, click here.
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Click to enlarge map.
LANTERN WALK ROUTE
The walk begins at 5:45 PM after the sun has fully set. This is approximately a 1.3 mile walk. It takes between 45-60 minutes to complete, depending on your pace.
For your safety, we ask that walk participants begin at this year's designated "Walk Start" location in River Park. Please do not join the walk from alternate entry points along Riverwalk.
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VIEWING LOCATIONS/WATCH ZONES
For many who are unable to participate in the walk, there are fantastic viewing locations overlooking Riverwalk and the stream of lights illuminating the path that we encourage you to take advantage of:
- In River Park, near the Walk Start
- On the Exchange Park Ln. Bridge
- On top of or in front of the Weaver Street Parking Garage
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EVENT SAFETY
In an effort to keep this event safe and ensure we can continue to host public programs like Solstice Lantern Walk for years to come, your consideration of the following is greatly appreciated:
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At the beginning of the walk, volunteers will be pacing participants to prevent overcrowding. Please be kind to those sharing their time to keep walkers safe.
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We will have volunteers at multiple points along Riverwalk helping with way-finding and walk safety.
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Please be aware that after the Riverwalk loop, incoming and outgoing walk traffic may overlap, creating two-way walking traffic. Please stay alert and be conscious and respectful of those around you.
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Police security will be available at the Weaver Street Parking Garage/Riverwalk Boardwalk Entrance. This area is the best opportunity for walkers to exit the experience early if needed. Please clear paths for emergency exits.
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If you feel sick, please stay home!
We're so grateful for the opportunity to share this special evening with you. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.​​​​​
RESTROOMS
We will have the Farmers Market Pavilion restrooms open for public use, along with a ADA portalets on-site at Solstice Market. Additional public restrooms are available behind the Hillsborough Visitors Center.
NO PETS PLEASE
We LOVE pets, but this is a very heavily trafficked event. We ask that, for your safety, their safety, and the safety of all participants, pets are kept at home for this experience. Thank you for your understanding!​​​
We can't wait to see you and your lantern creations on Solstice night!
All HAC events are town-wide celebrations of creativity and community. While in Historic Hillsborough, we encourage you to make a day of it and support our beloved local artists and businesses this winter!
Learn about live music, artists, food & beverage vendors, and exciting experiences to look forward to at the 2024 Solstice Lantern Walk & Market! See Solstice Announcements >
Many downtown businesses offer extended hours, specials, and promotions to support the Solstice festivities! Be sure to check out all the Solstice Specials & Promotions to explore before & after this event.
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Don't forget to explore the gingerbread houses on display in many local shop windows Dec. 7th through Jan. 5th, 2025. Awards will be announced at Solstice Market!