Floating Lanterns
As part of Lake Junaluska’s multi-day Independence Day Celebration, staff and volunteers place floating lanterns on the lake every July. Each lantern carries a name in remembrance or in honor of a loved one. All are welcome to the lakeside to enjoy, celebrate and admire this enchanting and meaningful display.
Purchasing a Lantern
Donations are no longer being accepted online for floating lanterns. However, you can still donate a lantern in person with a cash donation or view the lanterns before they are released on the lake by visiting the Harrell Center between 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. All lantern donations support Ministry & Worship at Lake Junaluska.
Seeing the Lanterns
The lanterns are released in the main part of the lake between the pool on Memory Lane and the lighted Lake Junaluska Cross on the hill. The event is free and visitors may watch the lanterns from the lakeshore. Please park in any of the Lake Junaluska parking areas. Guests may watch from their cars or bring a blanket or chair to watch from the lawn.
After the Event
To help keep the lake clean, the lanterns are biodegradable and staff and volunteers help gather as many lanterns as possible from the lake after the event as soon as conditions allow.
Event Details:
- Date:
- July 1, 2026
- Time:
- 9:15 pm
- Location:
- Lanterns released on the lake from a pontoon boat are visible from the lakeshore
- Categories:
- Charitable Support
