Make something that glows.

Wearable, handmade and rolling lantern ideas — every parade lantern is self-powered and LED only — no flames. Concept images are AI-generated illustrations, not event photos.

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Easy DIY · Wearable Cardboard Box Lantern

Wear the Parade

Turn a cardboard box into a walking work of light.

One of the easiest, most eye-catching lanterns you can make. Wear a real cardboard box around your torso — head out the top, arms through the sides — and turn all four sides into Into the Blue artwork.

The light goes on the outside: battery-powered LED rope or string lights wrapped around the edges and tracing your design, so you glow from every angle. Inexpensive, fun and achievable for families, schools, businesses and community groups.

Rolling wavesGlowing jellyfishSea turtleCoral gardenStarfishSchool of fishAbstract ocean patternsAn “INTO THE BLUE” message box

A child and an adult wearing painted cardboard box lanterns with a jellyfish and sea turtle, lit by LED string lights on the outside edges

Illustrative concept

How to Make It

01
Choose a lightweight cardboard box that fits comfortably around your torso.
02
Cut a generous head opening and arm holes. Reinforce and smooth the edges with tape so they're rounded and comfortable.
03
Paint or decorate all four sides in an Into the Blue design.
04
Attach battery-powered LED rope or string lights to the OUTSIDE edges or along the artwork using safe clips, zip ties or tape.
05
Secure the battery pack inside the box, then test movement and visibility well before parade night.
06
Optional: add shoulder or waist straps to keep the box stable while you walk.

Safety First

Battery-powered LEDs only
No candles or open flames — ever
Keep all wiring secured and tucked
Keep head and arm openings clear so you can see and move
Keep it light enough to walk comfortably

No flames — LED lights only. Lanterns must be self-powered. There will be no electrical connections available for parade lanterns or mobile illuminated creations.

Typical Size

Roughly 16–18 inches wide and 18–22 inches tall. These are only a guide — adapt the dimensions to your body and your design.

Lantern Parade Ideas · Into the Blue

Anything can become a lantern.

Wear it · Carry it · Fly it · Roll it · Build it together

A lantern doesn't have to be a traditional handheld lantern. It can be worn, carried, rolled, ridden, puppeteered or built collectively. Here are some ideas to get you started.

All images are AI-generated illustrative concepts — not photographs from the event.

Community idea

100 Jellyfish

Schools, PTAs, businesses and families each create an illuminated umbrella jellyfish — then move together as one glowing, drifting bloom down Lincoln Road.

Illustrative concept

Community idea

The School of 1,000 Fish

Hundreds of inexpensive, participant-made illuminated fish come together to become one giant moving school — proof that small lanterns can make something enormous.

Illustrative concept

Illustrative conceptPerson in front → pull handle → cart behind

Roll it · Mobile sound lantern

Rolling Lantern

Pull the music with you.

Turn a wagon or utility cart into a mobile lantern, sound system and moving piece of art. Wear or carry your own lantern as you walk ahead and pull the glowing cart behind you — with room for music, announcements, singing, chants or performance along the way.

•Rechargeable, battery-powered speaker
•Wireless microphone
•External LED lighting on the cart artwork
•Secure battery/power pack
•Lightweight decorations
•Keep wheels, handle and walking path unobstructed

Cart themes

Jellyfish reefSchool of fishWhaleShellOctopusINTO THE BLUE message cart

Ideal for schools, neighborhood groups, businesses, performers and families.

Music and PA use must follow parade organizer instructions and applicable event sound rules.

Wear it · Easy DIY costume

Pool Noodle + Glowing Tutu

Colorful pool noodles, a tulle tutu and battery-powered LEDs turn into wearable Into the Blue sea creatures. Lightweight, inexpensive and endlessly customizable — even in your school or team colors. Great for families, schools, businesses and neighborhood groups.

Coral reefJellyfishSeaweedOctopusWaves

Simple build

1Materials: pool noodles, a tulle tutu or lightweight waistband, battery LED string/rope lights, zip ties or clips.
2Cut and shape pool noodles into coral, waves or tentacles.
3Secure the noodles to the tutu or waistband without restricting movement.
4Wrap or attach battery-powered LEDs on the outside and secure the battery pack.
5Wear-test for comfort, visibility and easy walking.

LEDs only — no flame. Keep lighting and wiring secure, and make sure nothing hangs low enough to create a trip hazard.

Illustrative concept

Wear it
Wearable Box Lantern
A painted cardboard box with LED lights on the outside.
Carry it
Jellyfish Umbrella
An umbrella dome with glowing ribbon tentacles.
Build it together
Giant Sea Turtle
A team-carried turtle glowing on poles.
Build it together
Giant Whale Hero Lantern
A monumental whale moving above the crowd.
Fly it
Manta Ray
Wide glowing wings gliding overhead.
Puppeteer it
Octopus
Illuminated tentacles brought to life by puppeteers.
Carry it
School of Fish
A swirl of small fish orbiting a single pole.
Wear it
Lantern Hats & Headpieces
Illuminated crowns of fish, shells and coral.
Wear it
Coral Reef Costumes
Walk as a living, glowing reef.
Carry it
Glowing Umbrellas
String lights turn any umbrella into a lantern.
Wear it
Glowing Wings
Light-outlined wings, like a flying fish.
Carry it
Illuminated Picture Frames
Frame yourself inside your own ocean artwork.
Carry it
Mini Lanterns for Little Ones
Small, light fish and stars on short sticks.
Carry it
Recycled Bottle Lanterns
Plastic bottles reborn as glowing fish.
Roll it
Rolling Carts, Wagons & Strollers
A reef on wheels — easy for families.
Ride it
Bicycle Lanterns
Waves and fish riding along a walked bicycle.
Walk it
Pet Lantern Concept
Only if your pet is calm in crowds: a light, comfortable LED collar or harness — never anything heavy, hot or restrictive.
Carry it
Message Lanterns
OCEAN. MIAMI. HOPE. Say something in light.
Build it together
Neighborhood, School & Business Lanterns
One big collective creation from your group.