A new December tradition is coming to Langley.

On Dec. 20, the eve before the winter solstice, people will carry lanterns along a route nearly one mile long in downtown Langley, from Healing Circles to Soundview Center, and passing through the Brookhaven community.

“The idea is that it’s a hard time of year for a lot of people, and we wanted something that would bring adults and kids together,” said Shannon Arndt, one of the event’s organizers.

Coordinated by the ROOTS program of Healing Circles, the lantern parade has a community focus. Participants will stick to the sidewalks of main roads and carry their homemade lanterns.

“The goal is to bring families together in the community. When there’s a lot of kids, it’s surprising how many people say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know South Whidbey had children’ because it’s kind of a retirement community,” Arndt said.

A shuttle service provided by the Langley Main Street Association will transport participants before and after the walk between the WICA and Soundview Center parking lots.

Arndt hopes the lantern parade will be something people look forward to year after year.

The lantern parade begins at 5 p.m. One hour prior, a labyrinth will be made at Healing Circles. And after the lantern parade, around 5:30 p.m., people are invited for hot chocolate and cookies at Soundview Center.

Lanterns can be made Dec. 18-20 at Create Space, 2-5 p.m., or at home.