MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
One of Hutchinson’s most cherished holiday traditions returns this weekend as the Hyde Park neighborhood hosts the 42nd Annual Luminaries, transforming more than 30 blocks into a glowing, walkable celebration of community and tradition.
The event dates back to 1983, when a small section of the Hyde Park neighborhood first lined its sidewalks with luminaries — simple paper bags weighted with sand and lit by candles. Over four decades later, the tradition has grown to span roughly 18th Street to 23rd Street and from Main to Monroe, with approximately 14,000 luminaries illuminating sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.
“This really has become more than just a display — it’s a community celebration,” organizer Angie Rice said. “It’s something that brings people together and encourages everyone to slow down during a busy season.”
Each year, Hyde Park residents receive bags and candles and are responsible for placing and lighting their own luminaries, a process that requires weeks of coordination. Planning begins as early as October, with candles ordered well in advance and distributed to about 30 block captains who help organize their respective streets.
The result is a large-scale neighborhood effort powered almost entirely by volunteers.
Streets surrounding Hyde Park will close at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, with luminary lighting and park activities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening opens with musical performances, including singers from Hutchinson High School, followed by the lighting of thousands of candles throughout the neighborhood.
Park activities include cider and ginger snap cookies served by National Honor Society students, horse-drawn wagon rides provided by the Rumford family, roaming carolers, a brass quintet, and Santa Claus handing out candy canes. All activities conclude at 9 p.m., when streets reopen to traffic.
Grace Episcopal Church’s youth group will again serve a soup dinner for a free-will donation, continuing a long-standing partnership that supports both attendees and community outreach.
Organizers emphasize that the event is intentionally kept nostalgic and traditional. “We want it to be quiet, beautiful, and meaningful,” Rice said. “It’s about hearing the music, seeing the glow, and spending time together.”
The entire event is funded by Hyde Park residents, making it free and open to the public. While donations are accepted through a designated luminaries account, organizers stress that the tradition remains resident driven.
Over the years, the Luminaries have become a backdrop for countless personal traditions — from families strolling the neighborhood to memorable moments like marriage proposals and long-running volunteer roles, including longtime Santa Richard Hall, who served the event for decades.
LINK: Long-time Hyde Park Santa to hang up red suit.
For organizers Mitch and Angie Rice, the goal remains simple: preserve a tradition that connects neighbors and welcomes the entire Hutchinson community.
“If you’ve never experienced it,” Mitch Rice said, “a cool December evening with candlelight, carolers, and horses’ hooves really does take you back to a simpler time. It’s a special way to begin the holiday season.”
The 42nd Annual Hyde Park Luminaries take place Saturday evening in and around Hyde Park, just north of Midtown Hutchinson.