The coastal town of Dover is set to glow this winter as hundreds of lanterns, giant puppets, and illuminated artworks light up the streets for Dover’s Winter Lantern Festival (DWLF) 2026 – a free, family celebration of community, creativity, and conservation.
Now in its fifth year, DWLF has become one of the UK’s most distinctive winter festivals. Organised by social enterprise, Future Foundry and Dover Town Council, it unites local artists, organisations and residents in a stunning night-time spectacle that celebrates Dover’s culture, heritage, and environment.
The day of festivities begins in Market Square (10am – 3pm) with live music, crafts, circus workshops and an artisan market, before continuing in Pencester Gardens (3pm – 7:30pm) with street food, DJs, dance, and a vibrant youth market.
For more information and star lantern workshops details visit the Destination Dover website.