Kingston’s Luminary Night is an annual tradition that takes place on a Saturday night in mid-December. This year, the event’s date was December 18th. It is the town’s holiday celebration in which the Main Street neighborhood holds an open house, with goodies served at the town’s first firehouse, the Surprise Hose Company. The streets of this neighborhood are aglow in flickering luminaries. Luminaria are tea lights placed in white bags creating a lantern effect.
Kingston’s Luminary Night is the opposite of the pomp and circumstance and the hectic pace of the megamall Christmas. It is truly a community event. The roads are blocked from vehicular traffic and luminaria line both sides of the road throughout the historic section of town. The community feeling is on full display with many homes open for dropping in. Cookies in the firehouse, a concert at the community center and lights aglow on the town green all add to the joy of the evening.
An Annual Kingston Tradition
The luminaria provides a magical effect, as the true majesty of Kingston’s architecture is on display, bathing in the colors of the holiday. The annual event dates back to 1986. Entertainment and crafts are at the Reed Center. The library holds activities as well and the churches are open, often featuring musical performances. The whole neighborhood has a festive atmosphere, aglow in luminary candles. The town tree is lit as the centerpiece of the evening, and the Boy Scouts hold a Christmas tree raffle. The luminaries glow on Main Street, Evergreen Street, Summer Street, and the side roads in between.
At our friends’ house on Main Street, a typical Luminary Night evening starts with a few celebratory beverages and appetizers. After a bit of revelry, it’s time to hit the streets. Strolling around the luminary lit streets is quite magical. Don’t worry if you missed this year’s Luminary Night, just make sure to check it out in 2022!
Hungry?
After the stroll, do you need a place to eat while you’re in Kingston for Luminary Night? Check out Brother’s Roast Beef.
Great article!