Home to the second oldest consecutive celebration 

of America’s Independence in the United States!

HOMETOWN GAMES

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WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ALL THE CANDLES?

Those candles lining the stream in Lititz Springs Park  are there because they’re part of one of the town’s oldest and most distinctive Independence Day traditions: the Candle Illumination.

The tradition began in 1843, when about 400 candles were lit in Lititz Springs Park to celebrate the Fourth of July. It was inspired by an older Moravian Christmas Eve custom, lighting candles to symbolize “Christ, the Light of the World.” Over time, that religious symbolism blended with patriotic celebration, creating a uniquely Lititz tradition.

What you see today- The thousands of candles along the stream and throughout the park is often called the “Fairyland of Candles.” The stream became a focal point because the reflections on the water create that glowing, magical effect. Historically, they even built decorative structures over the stream, including rotating candle displays and a ferris wheel powered by the water itself.

The candles are also tied to the Queen of the Candles ceremony, a tradition that began in 1942. After the queen is crowned, the ceremonial lighting begins, and the park is illuminated before the fireworks.