Lanterns to Light the Truckee River Legacy Trail at Free Community Lantern Walk, November 14

Wild River offers a centuries-old autumn tradition to the whole town, with free lantern-making workshops beforehand

TRUCKEE, Calif. (November 2, 2026) — As the days grow shorter, Wild River invites the Truckee community to the Truckee Community Lantern Walk on Saturday, November 14. Families and neighbors will gather at dusk at Dewbeyumuwe Park on West River Street, light their lanterns, and walk a short stretch of the Truckee River Legacy Trail together, singing simple songs as they go.

The event is free and open to all ages.
The Lantern Walk is a centuries-old autumn custom tied to many cultures around the world and it has been kept alive for generations in Waldorf schools around the world. Its message is simple: as the outer light fades, each of us carries a small light and shares it with others. Wild River  has held its own school lantern walk for years; and it’s a beautiful, calm and magic event to share with the whole town.

"The Lantern Walk is one of the most beautiful moments of our school year, and we wanted to share it with all of Truckee," said Abra Derbis, Head of School at Tahoe Truckee Waldorf. "There's something about a line of small lights moving along the river in the dark that brings people together. It's our gift to the town."
 

The walk begins at the town's new riverfront park, which opened in October 2025, crosses the pedestrian bridge and follows the paved Legacy Trail along the river. The evening lasts about an hour and a quarter and is suitable for young children and strollers.

Free lantern-making workshops

Families can make their own lanterns and learn the songs at free workshops before the walk. All materials are provided and all ages are welcome.

• Thursday, November 5, 4:30–6:00 pm — Wild River School, 12640 Union Mills Road

• Monday, November 9, 3:00–5:00 pm — Truckee Library

• Tuesday, November 10, 4:30–6:00 pm — Wild River School, 12640 Union Mills Road
  
   

  About Tahoe Truckee Waldorf

  Tahoe Truckee Waldorf is an independent Waldorf school serving children from preschool through 8th grade through its Wild River (TK/K–8th grade) and Little Gems (preschool) programs. Located on a 40-acre forested campus in Truckee, the school offers an education rooted in nature, the arts and the rhythm of the seasons.