Carrie Fisher
Fans are gathering to honor Carrie Fisher, photographed during Wizard World Comic Con in Rosemont, Illinois, on Aug. 21, 2016, with lightsaber vigils around the country. Getty Images

The force was strong with Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” franchise for several decades, and fans aren’t ready to let her contributions to the rebellion be forgotten. Since Fisher’s death on Tuesday, vigils have been popping up around the country to celebrate her life and the many things she accomplished during it.

While each gathering has been truly moving, none are quite as spectacular as the lightsaber vigils taking place in various cities. According to Entertainment Weekly, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has planned a number of lightsaber vigils and “Star Wars” screenings as well as screenings of other films Fisher starred in. The events kicked off on Wednesday, the same day Fisher’s mother Debbie Reynolds died, and will continue into early 2017.

A press release for the event asked that “Star Wars” fans consider suiting up as their favorite characters and popping in at one of the vigils. Those attending should bring their own lightsabers and invite friends to tag along. The release also said that “Star Wars” fans who didn’t own lightsabers were encouraged to bring whatever they could find to “brighten the sky and say thank you to a woman who inspired us on and off the screen.”

A schedule of upcoming lightsaber vigils can be found below:

  • Dec. 30 -- Houston Mason Park theater in Katy, Texas, at 6:45 p.m. CST
  • Dec. 30 -- Houston Mason Park theater in Lubbock, Texas, at 7 p.m. CST
  • Dec. 31 -- Winchester Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia, at 10 p.m. EST
  • Jan. 5, 2017 -- The Drafthouse in Omaha, Nebraska, at 7:30 p.m. CST
  • Jan. 6, 2017 -- The Drafthouse in Omaha, Nebraska, at 7 p.m. CST

Get more screening information here.

In addition to attending vigils, fans have been showing love for Fisher — and her now late mother — on social media. Peers shared heartwarming tales of working with both legendary film stars on sets, while fans revealed the many ways both Fisher and Reynolds inspired them. Many also took a moment to rally around Billie Lourd, Fisher’s daughter, who lost her mother and grandmother in a span of just two days.

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