IRVINGTON — For 49 years, the historic Irvington neighborhood has embraced a holiday tradition — the lighting of candles in white bags and lining them up along sidewalks. This year’s Luminaria will be celebrated on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m. Everyone is welcome to walk, bike, or slowly drive the streets of Irvington to see this beautiful tradition come to life. The Historic Irvington Community Council sponsors the event every year. Irvington is located between Emerson and Kitley Ave., and 10th St. to Brookville Rd.
A luminaria is a small candle set in sand in a paper bag. The tradition comes from several cultures, with the paper lanterns coming from the Philippines and introduced to New Spain, then through the southwest United States. The custom may also have ties to the many cultural festivals of light during the longest nights of the year.
To participate, residents can purchase already made up kits at several Irvington merchants, including Hampton Designs (5515E. Washington), Deering Cleaners (1160 N. Arlington), Central Ace Hardware (1025 N. Arlington), Magic Candle (6215 E. Washington St.), Irvington Vinyl on S. Bonna Rd, Market Vintage on Johnson Ave., BaZaar-Oh! Vintage (5844 E. Washington St.), and Snug (210 S. Audubon). Sand to weigh the bags down is available in the Ellenberger Park parking lot (near the pool). Bring your own bucket or large sturdy bag to take the sand home! An alternative to sand is clean kitty litter, which you can reuse year after year.
At 6 p.m., line the driveway, walkway, porch or sidewalk with the candles. Some people use the opportunity to hold impromptu porch parties to greet old friends and make new ones. In addition to Irvington, other neighborhoods also participate in the Luminaria — Emerson Heights, Little Flower, and Community Heights residents often light the way as well.
The tradition started in 1976 by the late Rose Mary Clark and Lawrence W. Tindall on the Community Council as a fundraiser and a community building event. Over the years, participation has grown steadily, especially in the historic heart of Irvington.
The Benton House Association will hold a general meeting and elect officers for 2026, followed by live music by Susie Kraeszig and friends at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey. Light refreshments will be served. The Irvington Historical Society will also hold an open house at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Dr. during the Luminaria from 6-8 p.m. Check out the new exhibits and buy gifts from the bookstore.
Harmony Collected Community Choir will be caroling from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Irving Circle and other locations, adding to the festivities.
Santa and Krampus will be at the Irving Circle throughout the event, and will be available for photos with the kids and family. They will be taking donations for the Big Red Box food donation program — bring a non-perishable item or canned goods. Friends of Irving Circle and Sue Beecher will be hosting the event.
Local cyclists will be decorating their bike to take a slow ride through the neighborhood, starting at 6 p.m. at the Bonna Thompson Center, 5350 E. University and will end at Irving Circle Park on South Audubon, Bike Indianapolis will be cycling down the Monon Trail from Broad Ripple to Irvington on their bikes, many of which will be decked out for the holiday. Meet at 6500 Monon Trail at 5:15 for the ride. Those closer in can also enjoy a ride through the candle-lit streets at your own pace. Please have bike lights and bring friends for a beautiful evening ride.
When you buy kits from local retailers, proceeds go to support next year’s Luminaria and other projects from the Council.
