2025 Holiday Events

The Municipality of Port Hope is celebrating the conclusion of three years of Walton Street reconstruction and kicking off the holiday season with a festive street party downtown. The Candlelight Festival will feature beloved traditions such as the Candlelight Walk along with new activities for all ages.

Candlelight Festival

The Candlelight Festival Street Party is set to welcome visitors and residents alike between 4:00 p.m. an 9:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28. The event will include an outdoor licensed area, fire pits, photobooths, projected animations, roaming buskers, free hot chocolate, an augmented reality scavenger hunt, and more. Portions of Walton Street, John Street, Ontario Street and Queen Street will be closed to vehicles, to allow pedestrians to roam safely and explore every block of the downtown.

The event celebrates the resilience of our community and downtown businesses during all phases of the Walton Street reconstruction and marks the official end of this major project. To commemorate, the Port Hope HBIA is hosting Moonlight Madness, a district-wide extravaganza that brings Black Friday excitement to Candlelight Festival. Moonlight Madness gives residents a chance to support local retail and restaurants and jump-start their holiday gift-buying.

This year, the outdoor artisan market will loop from Lent Lane, through the Granary parking lot, and out onto John Street from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where you will find a wide variety of original products for those on your shopping list. There will be a selection of food vendors onsite to ramp up the festival atmosphere in downtown Port Hope.

The Candlelight Walk will begin at Walton and Pine Streets (155 Walton St.) at 6:00 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their own light source (a lantern, candle with protective container, battery-operated candle, or flashlight). Some flame and battery-operated candles will be available at the start of the walk, while supplies last. Participants are also invited to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Fare Share Food Bank.

This year’s carol list can be found on the digital Candlelight Song Sheet webpage. Our friends at SONG will help lead the carolling and encourage all participants to sing along to some holiday favourites. The walk will conclude at Memorial Park where there will be live music, hot chocolate and a countdown to the park lighting display.

Transit will be running late (until 9:30 p.m.) on November 28 to help bring you to the downtown from around town.

Santa Claus Parade

The 88th annual Santa Claus Parade is coming to town on Saturday, November 29 at 1:00 p.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Ridout Street and Bramley Street and continue along Walton Street to Queen Street, finishing at Augusta Street.

This year's parade theme, "Deck the Downtown" will be a vibrant celebration, shining a spotlight on the community collaboration involved in getting the downtown ready for the holiday season, and a return of activities to Walton Street. There will be live music, floats and so much spirit from many local businesses and community groups.

If you are able, consider donating a non-perishable food item to the Fare Share Food Bank, as a collection will be available along the parade route. Spectators are invited to spread out along the 1.2km route, bring snacks and extra layers to help make the waiting-for-Santa-experience a little more comfortable.

Capitol Christmas

The Festival of Lights and Trees event returns to the Capitol Theatre. This immersive experience illuminates Northumberland County’s holiday spirit like nothing else. This annual fundraising initiative has been a community favourite since 1997, becoming a holiday tradition and creating memories for guests of all ages. Visit the Capitol Theatre to view the trees and lights between November 21 until December 31, and while you’re there, you can purchase tickets for the sticky and sweet Panto: Hansel & Gretel, and upcoming holiday concerts.

Wagon Rides

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown this holiday season. Top Notch Carriage Service will offer rides on four different dates:

• Friday, November 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The pick-up location is next to the Walton Street Bridge. Carriage rides are free and will run in a loop through downtown Port Hope.

The annual Candlelight Festival is a holiday experience that showcases the seasonal transformation of downtown Port Hope. Find that festive feeling in Port Hope with holiday shopping, dining, events, and festive décor from November 28, 2025 until January 2, 2026.

For a full list of Candlelight Festival offerings, visit porthope.ca/candlelight-festival.

Tammie’s Jammies

The Port Hope Police Service pajama drive “Tammie’s Jammies” is back for 2025. Donations of new pajamas for a child aged newborn to 18 years is greatly appreciated. Donation boxes will be located at public Municipal offices until December 20.

Holiday Activities with Parks, Recreation and Culture

We are offering a variety of holiday themed experiences and activities for all to enjoy, including:

• Festive Fun Day – Santa will be joining us at the Town Park Recreation Centre on Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free Festive Fun Day will include a variety of fun games, crafts and activities.
• Stay active during the holiday break and join us for swim, skate, and gym drop-ins. Select dates and times are free thanks to our local sponsors. View the whole schedule on the Seasonal Activities webpage.
• Festive holiday workshops are back with multiple days, times, and activities for the whole family.
• Holiday Camp is running December 29 to 31, and January 2, for ages 4 to 12 years at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Register your child early as spots are limited.

Visit porthope.ca/seasonal-activities for the full list of activities and detailed schedules.

There is plenty more holiday programming being offered throughout the community to help you find that festive feeling this season. Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates and check the events calendar for a full list of local activities.

Special thanks are extended to all our event sponsors and co-creators – It takes hard work and many hands to make it merry, and Port Hope plans to shine bright this season.