Lantern-Lit German Tradition Returns To Huntington Beach's Old World Village

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Families can light up the evening with colorful lanterns, traditional German songs and a festive procession when the annual Saint Martin Lantern Parade returns to Old World Village on Sunday, Nov. 15.

The free, family-friendly celebration, hosted by German School Campus, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., bringing a centuries-old German tradition to Huntington Beach.

The event celebrates St. Martin's Day, known in Germany as Martinstag, a holiday honoring Saint Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier remembered for sharing his cloak with a man in need.

In Germany, children traditionally celebrate the occasion by carrying handmade lanterns through neighborhoods while singing songs about kindness, generosity and helping others.

Huntington Beach families will have an opportunity to experience the tradition during an evening of music, storytelling and a lantern-lit walk through Old World Village.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m., followed by a short St. Martin play at approximately 5:45 p.m. The lantern parade will begin around 6 p.m. and continue through 7 p.m., with participants carrying glowing lanterns through the village's cobblestone walkways.

The celebration will also feature traditional St. Martin songs, giving children and families an opportunity to learn about German culture and customs.

German School Campus, a nonprofit bilingual school with locations in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, organizes the annual event to share German traditions with the community.

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. However, organizers ask families to reserve a free ticket for each participating child to help plan the parade. Adults accompanying children do not need tickets.

Families should bring their own lanterns, as organizers have confirmed that lanterns will not be available for purchase at the event.

A suggested $5 donation will help support German School Campus and its cultural education programs. Donations are optional and may be made through Venmo at @germanschoolcampus.

Free parking is available nearby. Organizers also recommend dressing warmly for the evening celebration.

For additional information and free child ticket reservations, visit Old World's official event page or GermanSchoolCampus.com.