What is "laternelaufen"

Laternelaufen (‘Walking with Lanterns’) is a German tradition for the time around St. Martin's Day. On 11 November (or later/earlier for reasons of appointment) children (usually in kindergarten age or younger) walk along the streets holding colourful, often self-made lanterns (Laternenumzug, ‘Lantern Pageant’). Laternelaufen is slightly competing with Halloween, but they are different enough to coexist.