Points of Light is a spring celebration of unity and renewal that brings together the food, music, and traditions of Lowell’s diverse cultures. The centerpiece of the night is a special ceremony in which participants personalize water lanterns that will be released onto the Western Canal, creating hundreds of floating points of light.
Check out our schedule page, which includes our community performances, featured performances, and a food vendor list.
Where are We?
You’ll find us on Ecumenical Plaza, between St. Patrick’s Church and Holy Trinity Church in the heart of the Acre, in 2025.
We are Community-Driven
Points of Light is planned by volunteers and local nonprofits donating staff time. Our planning committee is completely open to the community and we’re always looking for feedback. We also rely on donations to keep the event entirely free. Please consider donating.
Our 2024 Planning And sustaining Light Partners
Points of Light has sponsorship packages at multiple levels for corporations, foundations, and individuals! We also are always looking for community partners. Want to see your logo here for 2025’s event, lanterns for a decoration party, and more? Check out our sponsor slide deck and sponsor card and email hello@pointsoflightlowell.com with any questions!
Planning Partners
- BRM Production Management
- Hull Street Energy
- Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association
- Coalition for a Better Acre
- DIY Lowell
- Lowell Housing Authority
- Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative
Sustaining Light Partners ($2,000+)
Illumination Sponsors ($1,000+)
Incandescence Sponsors ($500+)
Radiance Sponsors ($250+)
Friends ($100+)
Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, Lala Books, Lowell Community Health Center, Shalmai Riveria Sells Houses, Chris Hayes and Aurora Erickson, Leann Atikinson, Sue Andrews and Becky Warren, Jack Moynihan, Belinda Juran, Alina Sokun
Thanks to in-kind sponsors City of Lowell, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and City of Lowell Solid Waste Department.
The Importance of Lanterns
In Japan, participants float paper lanterns in memorial during Tōrō nagashi. In Thailand and Laos, people celebrate Loi Krathong by floating a small boat with a candle. In Cambodia, it is the festival of Bonn Om Teuk. In India, a religious ceremony includes candles floated on the Ganges. Lichterswimmen has occurred in Zurich for over half a century, and floating candles is part of a Slavic holiday, Kupala Night.
This is now a tradition in Lowell. Leading up to the event, people throughout the city decorate the lanterns with art, prayers, memorials, and messages. Before the lanterns are launched, local organizations sell traditional ethnic foods, while Lowell’s diverse cultures perform music and dance. As sun sets, the lanterns are released. A dance party closes out the evening!