In 1998 three Bethlehem women, Donna Acerra, DeAnn Artim and Joanne Anderson, joined forces to revive the luminaria tradition. The practice involves participants purchasing luminaria kits, consisting of white paper bags and candles as well as sand to anchor them to the ground. On the second Saturday of December, the bags are lined up in rows around each property, and as night falls the candles are lit.

The rows of bags along the sidewalks create a magnificent sight in keeping with the season. Hoping to interest their neighbors in re-creating the custom, Acerra, Artim and Anderson sent letters to about 60 homes, explaining the nature of the event and the cost of luminaria kits. Through the sale of kits that year, they raised $300, all of which was donated to a family in need.

During the early years, several different charities benefited from Luminaria Night. Among them was New Bethany Ministries. In 2003 the fundraiser affiliated with New Bethany permanently. Located on the Southside, New Bethany provides housing and case management for homeless families, as well as for low-income, mentally ill adults. The ministry serves meals (over 78,500 this year) every Wednesday through the Mollard Hospitality Center. In addition, it distributes three-day emergency food baskets as well as clothing and cold weather essentials to over 400 households monthly. New Bethany also offers life skills and financial management classes.

Luminaria Night has grown every year, adding new neighborhoods, block captains, and regional captains. The three founders have continued their involvement in the fundraiser, working with countless volunteers. To date, the event has raised over $600,000 for New Bethany. This year Quikcrete donated all the 15.8 tons of sand needed to Lowes, which in turn donated it to the fundraiser. Over 8,500 kits were sold, resulting in 85,000 candles glowing in rows of white bags on street after street of the Christmas City, a breathtaking sight for a wonderful cause.