Celebrate the City of Bridges Lantern Parade & Bridge Lighting Celebration in Montpelier

November 22, 2025 | Downtown Montpelier

A flyer promoting the downtown lantern parade in Montpelier, Vermont. — Flyer credit: Montpelier Alive

This November, Vermont’s capital will shine a little brighter. Seven downtown bridges are now part of Montpelier’s stunning new Bridge Illumination Project, a citywide art installation designed to celebrate connection, creativity, and community resilience.

The public is invited to the City of Bridges Lantern Parade & Bridge Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 22, a family-friendly evening filled with light, music, and magic sponsored by Montpelier Alive.

A Celebration of Light and Connection

Bridges have always been symbols of connection between neighborhoods, people, and ideas. In Montpelier, seven bridges are now illuminated to highlight that spirit of unity:

Bailey Avenue, Taylor Street, Main Street (Shaw’s), and Granite Street Bridges over the Winooski River
School Street, Langdon Street, and Rialto (State Street) Bridges over the North Branch

Each bridge now glows with energy-efficient LED lights powered through the city’s renewable energy grid.

The installations are on timers to minimize light pollution, with most bridges lit from dusk to 10 or 11 pm (and until midnight Thursday through Saturday).

More than 80% of Montpelier’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and Montpelier Alive will cover the lights’ modest energy use.

As organizers note, “It is our hope that lighting the bridges in the historic downtown will add warmth and beauty to our cityscape, draw visitors from near and far, improve pedestrian safety, and celebrate the community and resilience of Vermont’s capital city.”

Downtown Montpelier Transformed

The lighting project is more than just a visual upgrade. The initiative aims to encourage residents and visitors to linger downtown, explore restaurants and shops, and enjoy Montpelier’s evening culture.

Each bridge’s color and lighting effects can be adjusted to reflect community celebrations; think pink for Valentine’s Day, rainbow hues for Pride, and red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.

As the project evolves, expect new effects, color combinations, and seasonal displays to emerge. Whether you’re strolling along the river or catching a glimpse from your car, the illuminated bridges bring a touch of magic to Montpelier nights.

Educational and Environmental Goals

In addition to enhancing the beauty of downtown, the Bridge Illumination Project showcases Montpelier’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and resilience.

Montpelier Alive has partnered with historians, naturalists, and the Commission on Recovery and Resilience to examine how the city’s infrastructure affects flooding and climate-related challenges.

To support this mission, several educational opportunities are planned — including a window exhibition at Walgreens and guided walking tours.

The project uses no municipal tax dollars beyond those designated for the arts. Funding is provided through grants, sponsorships, and donations that support downtown revitalization and public art.

Create and Celebrate: Community Lantern Events

Before the big lighting ceremony, locals and visitors can participate in Lantern-Making Workshops at the TW Wood Museum (46 Barre Street, Montpelier).

Workshops are led by local artist Sabrina Fadial, Executive Director of the museum.

Lantern Workshop Dates:

Saturday, November 8, 10 am – 2 pm
Saturday, November 15, 10 am – 2 pm

These creative sessions invite participants to craft handmade lanterns that will light up the Lantern Parade on November 22.

The Big Night: November 22, 2025

Join the community for the City of Bridges Lantern Parade & Bridge Lighting Celebration, marking the completion of Montpelier’s transformation into the “City of Bridges.”

Event Schedule:

5 pm – Gather on Langdon Street for light refreshments and opening remarks.
5 pm – The Lantern Parade begins, featuring community-made lanterns. The route travels down Main Street, across the newly illuminated Shaw’s Pedestrian Bridge, and ends at Taylor Street Bridge.
6 pm – A fiery finale from Cirque de Fuego caps off the evening with an unforgettable performance.

The event is free and family-friendly, offering the perfect reason to bundle up, head downtown, and celebrate Montpelier’s bright new chapter.

Plan Your Visit

Montpelier’s bridges will continue to glow nightly through the winter months, providing a picturesque backdrop for evening walks, photography, and holiday shopping. Stay tuned for seasonal lighting effects and special community events tied to the project.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting Vermont’s capital for the first time, Montpelier’s illuminated bridges are a beautiful reminder of what it means to come together and to shine a little brighter, even in the darkest season.