St. Elmo, you light up our streets like nobody else. The St. Elmo Luminaria Festival will be taking over the neighborhoods Saturday, Dec. 16.

Brought to you by nonprofit St. Elmo Stroll, what started as a grassroots effort in 2021 will return for its third year to bring neighbors and residents together, right on your front lawn. Founder Kim Frankel-Marsh said she had a desire to create + build strong connections while celebrating the community.

Frankel-Marsh also said that a large component of this event is to help raise funds for other local organizations. All luminaria kit sales go towards the nonprofit's chosen partner, which is currently the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Over the last two years, this festival has helped provide 10,000 meals in the area.

Let the lanterns lead the way. | Photo provided by St. Elmo Stroll

What to expect

From 5 to 9 p.m., luminaries will be placed on the sidewalks and porches in the surrounding neighborhoods. While the event is concentrated on 55th Street + St. Elmo Avenue along the greenway, you're encouraged to stroll (or bike) around and connect with all homes participating.

Note: The Woodshop (5500 St. Elmo Ave.) will be selling last chance luminaria kits on Friday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Join the block party — it's the neighborly thing to do. | Photo by Caroline Jewell via St. Elmo Stroll

Folks can also enjoy:

Holiday market offering stocking stuffers + other small gifts
Kid-friendly activities and craft workshops
Silent auction — new to this year
Live music from local acts including the Scenic City Bassoons + an after party with Rick Rushing
Food trucks
Playful Evolving Monsters
Wine tasting at The Woodshop
Community art piece on the greenway

Pro tip: Stay tuned for a detailed map of the event.

"The biggest thing for us is that we want people to feel like they own it, too. That it is a shared partnership between us and the community," said Frankel-Marsh.