A magical winter tradition

Every winter, Spielwelt families gather for one of Germany’s most cherished traditions: the Laternenumzug (Lantern Walk).

Children proudly carry the lanterns they have made during Playgroups, GAP Playschool and Pfadfinder while families walk together through Haig Park, singing traditional German lantern songs. As the sun sets, the glowing lanterns create a beautiful atmosphere that many families return to year after year.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or continuing a family tradition, everyone is warmly welcome.

What to expect

The evening includes:

• A lantern procession through Haig Park
• Traditional German lantern songs
• A short Saint Martin play
• German food and warm drinks
• Time to meet other families and enjoy the winter evening together

Many families describe the Lantern Walk as one of the highlights of the Spielwelt calendar.

Food & refreshments

Warm up after the walk with traditional favourites, including:

• German sausages with sauerkraut
• Homemade soups
• Saint Martin’s Brötchen
• Traditional Glühwein
• Kinderglühwein for children

Food is available for purchase throughout the evening.

Sing along

Our Lantern Walk is accompanied by traditional German songs.

You can:

• Download the Spielwelt Lantern Walk songbook to your phone
• Learn the songs beforehand with the Spielwelt Laterne Playlist
• Borrow a printed songbook on the evening

Everyone is encouraged to join in—no perfect German required.

The story of Saint Martin

Before the walk, children and families gather for a short performance telling the story of Saint Martin.

The legend tells of Martin, a Roman soldier who shared half of his cloak with a freezing beggar on a cold winter’s night. His act of kindness became one of Germany’s best-loved traditions and is remembered each year through lantern processions, songs and community celebrations.

For many families, this story is at the heart of the Lantern Walk: bringing light, generosity and community together.

What to bring

Please remember to bring:

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy shoes (the grass can be wet)
• Your lantern

Spielwelt provides lantern sticks for members each year. Children keep the lanterns they have created—we simply ask that the lantern sticks are returned so they can be reused in future years.

Help make the evening special

Lantern Walk is organised entirely by volunteers.

If you can spare a little time helping with the BBQ, serving food, setting up or packing away, we’d love your support. Even a small contribution helps make the evening enjoyable for everyone—and volunteering is a wonderful way to meet other Spielwelt families.

A tradition worth sharing

One former Spielwelt member, now living back in Germany, shared this reflection after unexpectedly coming across a Lantern Walk there:

“I was walking home in Germany when I stumbled across a lantern walk with Glühwein, soup, children carrying lanterns and a Saint Martin play. It made me smile because it reminded me of Spielwelt in Canberra. Seeing a German tradition in Germany actually made me homesick for Australia.”

Moments like these show how traditions can create a sense of belonging—no matter where in the world you are.

Everyone is welcome

The Lantern Walk is one of Spielwelt’s most beautiful community events and an ideal introduction for new families.

Come and experience a little piece of German winter tradition in the heart of Canberra.