Tonight gingerbread houses will be aglow once again for Grand Illumination Night, a cherished Camp Ground tradition for almost 150 years.

The action gets underway at 7:30 p.m., when the band concert starts at the Tabernacle. The community sing begins at 8 p.m.

The first paper lantern will be lit at dusk, around 8:45 p.m., and the fairy-tale scene will continue on until about 11 p.m.

A free will offering will be collected.

The Illumination Night tradition began in 1868 to mark the governor’s visit to Oak Bluffs. Today the tradition continues as residents pull out paper lanterns old and new to light the Camp Ground on the third Wednesday of August.

It’s the biggest holiday of the season for the Camp Ground — new Camp Ground director CJ Rivard compares it to Christmas, with the bright lights, excitement, and tradition — and the event brings thousands of people to Oak Bluffs.

Trinity Circle and Central avenue will be closed to traffic during the event, and parking is limited; public transportation is highly recommended. The Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Association will operate a parking lot behind Sunset Lake.

Photos from the 2015 Grand Illumination Night.