Winter Solstice Walk

2026 Ticket Drawing Information

A NEW WAY TO JOIN OUR WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN WALK

Our annual Winter Solstice Lantern Walk is one of the Eagle River Nature Center's most beloved winter traditions. Each year, demand exceeds the number of vehicles we can safely accommodate, and we know it can be disappointing when reservations fill up.


This year, we're introducing a random drawing-based ticket system to give everyone a fairer opportunity to attend!


Here's how it will work:

  • ERNC members get the first opportunity: 60% of available vehicle tickets will be allocated through a members-only random drawing.
  • The public gets a chance, too: the remaining 40% will be available through a separate drawing open to everyone, including members who weren't selected in the first drawing.
  • One entry per household. Each ticket is for one vehicle, sorry large passenger vans cannot be accommodated.


Our two lantern walk sessions will take place on Saturday, December 19:

5:30pm - 6:30pm

7:30pm - 8:30pm


Because parking is limited and our ice lanterns depend on winter weather, we simply can't accommodate everyone who would like to attend. We hope this new process will make access fairer while keeping this special tradition safe and sustainable!


Not a member yet? Learn more about supporting the Eagle River Nature Center and becoming a member at here. Thank you for being part of our community. We can't wait to light up the winter night with you!

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    MEMBER DRAWING INFORMATION

    *Please note: this is for entry into the drawing to be chosen for ticket purchase, it is NOT a ticket for the event. 


    Member Registration Period
    Opens: November 9, 2026, at 12 AM AKSTD.
    Closes: November 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM AKSTD.

    Winners notified: November 16 and will have 48 hours to purchase a ticket.


    Who Can Enter?
    -Membership must be active by the registration deadline. New memberships are welcome but must be active by November 13.

    -MEMBERS will have to login to their account to register.  This is the easiest way for us to verify membership. 

    -One entry per household, regardless of membership level.

    -Duplicate entries will be disqualified.

    -Applicants must indicate their preferred session.

    -Membership provides an opportunity to enter the drawing but does not guarantee a reservation.


    How the Member Drawing Works
    -60% of available vehicle reservations will be allocated through the member drawing.

    -Winners will be selected randomly and notified by email.

    -Selected households will have 48 hours from notification to purchase their reservation. Unpurchased reservations will be released to the public allocation.

    -Not selected or missed your purchase deadline? All member applicants will automatically be entered into the public drawing for the time session selected. No additional registration is required. Public drawing entry will Nov 19-23.

    PUBLIC REGISTRATION INFORMATION

    *Please note: this is for entry into the drawing to be chosen for ticket purchase, it is NOT a ticket for the event.


    Public Registration Period
    Opens: November 19, 2026 at 12 AM AKSTD
    Closes: November 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM AKSTD

    Winners notified: November 26 and will have 48 hours to purchase a ticket.


    How the Public Drawing Works
    -The public drawing is open to everyone, including ERNC members who did not get the chance to enter the member drawing.      If you already have a ticket through the member drawing, you ARE NOT eligable for another ticket in this drawing. 

    -40% of available vehicle reservations, plus any unpurchased reservations from the member allocation, will be available through the public drawing.

    -Applicants may submit one entry per household for one vehicle reservation.

    -Everyone who entered the member drawing will automatically be included in the public drawing if they were not selected or didn't purchase a reservation in the allotted time frame. No additional registration is required.

    -Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Please, only 1 entry per household.

    -Applicants must indicate their preferred session.

    -Winners will be selected randomly and notified by email.
    -Selected households will have 48 hours from notification to purchase their reservation. Unpurchased reservations will be released and made available to the next entry on the list.