Snow Lanterns

SNOW LANTERNS (Snolykta)

In Sweden, the winter is long and cold. One of the first activities children learn on a snowy day is how to build snow lanterns. I loved learning about this beautiful tradition passed down through generations and the symbolism of fire and ice. These snow lanterns are both beautiful and fun to make.

All you need is the perfect packing snow and tea lights. I advise starting with a small size lantern for younger children while learning this skill until they have learned the technique to avoid frustration.

Supplies: Packing Snow, Tea Lights, Extender Lighter or matches.

Snow Lanterns

Snow Lanterns

• Start off by packing snow into tight snowballs. We used about 25 snowballs for our lantern.

• Build a circular base of snowballs. We recommend a smaller base when you first start.

Snow Lanterns

• Continue building in layers until you have a pyramid shape.

• Leave an opening for tea lights. Place tea lights in the center.

• Once dark, light the tea lights and close off the lanterns by finishing placing snowballs on top. If it is windy it can get a little tricky, so we chose to use an extender lighter to help with reaching into the cavity.

We recommend this extender lighter for many outdoor and camping uses.

Enjoy the glow illuminating from these flickering snow lanterns as you stargaze or extend your play into the evening hours. If the cold weather lasts for several days you can continue to use them for an extended time, just relight the tea light.

Interested in more ideas for creative activities this winter check out these fun snowy day Outdoor Winter Activities. Follow Discovering Anew for more outdoor activities and Michigan Travel Adventures.