St. Catharines' holiday light festival is back for a sixth season, with illuminated displays planned at Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie and downtown starting later this month.
Let It Glow: A Celebration of Light runs from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, the City of St. Catharines announced. The event is free and self-guided, giving residents a chance to explore some of the city's most scenic spots over the holidays.
"Let It Glow has become a much-loved holiday tradition, bringing people together to celebrate the season and experience the magic of winter in St. Catharines," Mayor Mat Siscoe said in the City's announcement.
"As we return for another year, we're excited to continue building on that tradition, creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike and giving everyone another reason to get out, explore and enjoy the holiday season in our community." — Mayor Mat Siscoe
Opening night at Rennie and Lakeside parks
The festival kicks off Nov. 21 with a celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rennie Park and Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie.
More than 50 illuminated installations, including interactive light sculptures, will be set up at Rennie Park, according to the City. A drone show bookended by fireworks over Martindale Pond is scheduled for 6 p.m., with viewing on the grass at Rennie Park.
At Lakeside Park, families can ride the historic Lakeside Park Carousel, take free photos with Santa and meet beloved characters. Complimentary hot chocolate and glow-in-the-dark giveaways will be on offer. The first 500 guests who bring a non-perishable food item for Community Care will receive their Santa photo in a keepsake ornament.
New city-wide light tour
New this year, residents and businesses can register for the Let It Glow Light Tour and decorate their properties with festive lights. Registered homes will appear on an official tour map on the festival website, and visitors can vote for their favourite display in each ward by scanning a QR code on a lawn sign. The top vote-getter in each ward wins a prize. Registration is open at stcatharines.ca/lightour.
Giving campaigns and holiday activities
The City's Tree of Giving campaign returns for its 29th year starting Thursday, Nov. 12, collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold at designated City facilities.
In December, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre relaunches its Mitten Tree Campaign, with donated winter clothing delivered weekly to Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold and Start Me Up Niagara.
A free public skate will ring in the New Year on Thursday, Dec. 31, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, with all four pads open, glow stick giveaways, character visits and face painting.
On Saturday, Jan. 2, the Olde Lock One Commons in Port Dalhousie hosts a free movie night from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring short films, with snacks and warm beverages available for purchase.
Special holiday public skating and family swim schedules are posted at stcatharines.ca/activestc.
Let It Glow is supported by the Tourism Partnership of Niagara and the Province of Ontario, with Ontario Power Generation and TELUS PureFibre as community sponsors, according to the City.
