The Christmas luminary tradition will be coming to Hillsdale for the first time Dec. 3, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m., lighting up neighborhoods around the city with candle light shining through brown paper bags. 

Organizer of the event and Hillsdale resident Jean Heise encourages Hillsdale residents to participate by crafting their own luminaries — also known as luminaria — out of candles, bags, and kitty litter, or sand.

This is the first time the tradition has been formally celebrated in Hillsdale, according to Heise, and will take place on the first Sunday in December to commemorate the season when Christians prepare their hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth. 

Heise said the origins of the tradition date back to the 1500s.

“Martin Luther was the first to use real candles to celebrate Christmas to point out that Jesus was the light of the world,” Heise said. “The meaning of this tradition is to observe, embrace, and find deeper meaning in the holy season of Christmas.”

Heise said she experienced the beauty of luminaries when she lived in Wisconsin and would take her children on a drive to see the luminaries in the neighborhoods

“It’s a very memorable thing in our history,” she said. 

Mayor Adam Stockford said he is thankful Heise is bringing this new experience to Hillsdale. 

“I absolutely love it when residents take that much ownership in their city,” Stockford said. 

The basic materials to create a luminary will be available at Hillsdale Craft Supply and Gelzer’s Hardware. Heise said both stores are stocking materials specifically for residents to partake in the Christmas tradition. 

“This is a community effort,” Heise said. “Many people generously contributed to the printing and advertising of the night of luminaries. It is really an effort by people who are enthusiastic and want to spread this beautiful tradition throughout the whole city.” 

Hillsdale College Creative Director of Marketing Brian Springer designed the luminary posters. 

Heise said residents are encouraged to be creative with the presentation of their luminaries and there are no strict guidelines for the manner in which lanterns are hung in one’s yard or driveway. 

“I’m very much looking forward to not only seeing the lovely displays but also participating myself,” Stockford said.