A lantern holder (10) for releasably supporting a lantern (14), and for being releasably mounted on a boat cleat (12). The lantern holder (10) comprises an elongated support arm (32) defining a first end portion (34) and a further distal end portion (36), the support arm (32) being provided at the distal end portion (36) with means for releasably engaging and supporting a lantern (14). The lantern holder (10) further comprises a cleat engaging means (42) mounted at the first end portion (34). In the preferred embodiment of the lantern holder (10), the cleat engaging means (42) comprises at least one shank portion (44) for being received under, and releasably engaging the upper portion of a cleat (16), the shank portion defining a first end portion, (48) secured to the first end portion (34) of the support arm (32) and a second end portion (50) provided with retaining means (51) for engaging the upper portion (24) of the cleat (16) whereby the shank portion (44) is releasably held in position beneath the upper portion (24) of the cleat (16).