Volunteers prepare a Hollis Luminaria Community Supper of chili and cornbread, an event hosted by Congregational Church of Hollis that raises funds for needy families. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

HOLLIS – Neither Dasher nor Dancer nor Prancer nor Vixen nor any of the traditional reindeer celebrities were anywhere in sight the night of the 11th Annual Hollis Holiday Luminaria Stroll and Town Band Concert, a community extravaganza presented on Dec. 13 in and around Monument Square at the town’s center.

Instead, visitors saw Santa and his citizen elves rumble into town aboard brilliantly lit, mostly antique, farm tractors. The grumbling horsepower and dangling strands of swaying holiday lights far outmatched in spectator impact the pitiful patter of reindeers’ delicate hooves.

“It’s such a joy to be a part of a community event that brings together young and old,” said Kimber Harmon, chair of the Luminaria sponsored by the Hollis Women’s Club — a social, civic and charitable organization founded in 1906.

“Everyone is a kid at heart when the tractor parade rolls by, as it truly is a magical time of year.” Harmon added.

Visitors thrilled to the roadside meanderings of more than 2,000 glowing lanterns constructed in advance at Brookdale Farm warehouse. The candles inside the white paper bags were lit by dozens of volunteers.

Monument Square is lined with some of around 2,000 luminaria crafted for the event. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

The day-long event kicked off with holiday art workshops at Hollis Artspace on Ash Street and a Gingerbread House Contest later judged at the Lawrence Barn on Depot Road.

Hot chocolate from members of Hollis-Brookline High School’s Class of 2026 and warmed apple cider and donuts from Hollis Scouts of Troop 12 refreshed those strolling through the venues.

A Holiday Craft Sale sponsored by the Hollis-Brookline Rotary Club occupied Town Hall, where talented artists presented crystal jewelry, woodwork, toys, knitted caps and other handmades.

Rotary President Lynne Duval expressed thanks to the women’s club for the opportunity to host the craft sale for the fourth year in a row.

Well patronized were vendors including Alyssa Knits (shawls, sweaters, caps), Quill (book inspired creations), Three Little Trees (premium candles and body butters), Crafted in the 603 (custom-designed gifts), Suki (handmade jewelry) and several others.

A trio of young cuties from the Geehan family of Hollis stay warm during the tractor parade in knitted hats made by their mom's talented mother. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

“We thank all our vendors for participating,” said Duval. “The event was a great opportunity to let people learn about Rotary and its many ongoing projects.”

A community chili and cornbread supper hosted at Congregational Church appeased the hungry. In addition, the 29th Annual Town Band Holiday Concert and Bake Sale at Hollis-Brookline High School satisfied any music lover with a sweet tooth.

The event ended at the Lawrence Barn. There, the Hollis Women’s Club sponsored a sale of holiday cookies with sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips or a fluff of powdered sugar.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were ensconced there, welcoming youngsters from a lavishly decorated alcove glistening with twinkle lights and garland.

“The Luminaria came from a simple idea that has grown into something magical with the glow of the lanterns brightening our streets and our hearts,” Harmon concluded.

Hollis Women's Club volunteers, from left, Mary Csaiki, Susan Benz, Lin Westberg and Jane Richard present a holiday cookie sale at the Lawrence Barn to cap the day's events. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

More information on the 2025 Hollis Luminaria Stroll & Town Band Concert is available online at hollisluminaria.org.

Hollis-Brookline Rotary Club members, from left, Stephan Henrich, Jolean Manseau and Lynne Duval, president, host an artists' craft show inside Town Hall. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Santa and Mrs. Claus, courtesy of the Hollis Women's Club, listened to the gift wishes of scores of young petitioners at the Lawrence Barn on Depot Street. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Scouts from Hollis Troop 12 serving refreshments at the recent 11th Annual Holiday Luminaria Stroll and Town Band Concert included these troop members, from left, Adrien Lavoie, assistant scout master, Jake Klauber, Wyatt Galeazzi and Oliver Hsiao. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Martha and Peter Tripaldi, owners for 21 years of Monument Square Market, offered freshly baked sugar cookies and hot chocolate from their award-winning sandwich shop, a neighborhood landmark open seven days. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON