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Floating Lantern Ceremony
Floating Lantern Ceremony | Sunday, February 22 | 3-7 PM
Free Outdoor Event | Free Admission to the Galleries All Day
After two weather-related postponements, we’re excited to finally host the annual Floating Lanterns Ceremony on Sunday, February 22!
Join us for a beautiful evening of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. Participants can create and design a floating lantern to be placed in our Reflection Pond, all while enjoying live music, food, and drinks.
The ceremony will take place around CAM’s serene Reflection Pond, with live music and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Lantern decorating supplies will be available at our Pancoe Education Center, and CAM Café will offer hot chocolate, beverages, and light food service throughout the evening, available for purchase outside.
On the day of the event, gallery admission will be FREE, plus we’re offering 20% off CAM memberships!
Create your own floating lantern to honor a loved one, celebrate a special moment, or simply find peace in the act of reflection. We all have our reasons to create a Floating Lantern… what’s yours?
Museum Admission:
10 AM- 5 PM: Galleries open; Free Admission.
Lantern Sleeves:
Before February 22, 2026:
Available to purchase at CAM Visitor Services during regular hours.
$20 (CAM Members: $15)
Day of event: $20.
Thank you for helping us keep our pond clean! Please do not attach plastics or other non-paper materials to your lantern sleeve. We strive to keep this event environmentally safe.
How to Make and Float a Lantern:
- Purchase a lantern sleeve before or during the event.
- Make it special with your own materials – crayons, markers, pencils – or use CAM’s supplies on the 22nd. Remember someone special, express your gratitude, or make a wish. It’s a great activity to share with friends and family!
- On day of event, assemble your lantern on CAM-supplied floating base.
- Walk your decorated lantern to CAM Reflection Pond for lighting and floating.
SCHEDULE • Sunday, February 22, 2026:
Click here to see or download the Event Schedule
10 AM-7 PM: Galleries open; Free Admission
10 AM-2 PM: Regular Brunch Menu & Full-Service Bar at CAM Café
3-7 PM: Trolley available. Overflow parking is located at the Barclay Center at Independence Blvd., across from Museum Drive.
3-6:45 PM: Lantern decorating in the Pancoe Education Center
3-7 PM: Live music by the Pond or Pancoe Porch
5 PM: Lantern Floating Begins. 5 gongs for official launch start time
5-6:45 PM: Lighting and floating of lanterns at CAM Reflection Pond
3-5 PM: Light Bites Menu and Refreshments at CAM Café. Click here to see the Light Bites Menu
7 PM: Lantern Floating Ends. 7 gongs, official end time for Floating Lanterns
For any Accessibility requests, please contact Georgia Mastroieni at 910-726-9492 or [email protected]
Service animals only.
Thank you to Fox Wilmington for sponsoring the 2026 Floating Lanterns Ceremony.
