The Candlelight Festival is an annual holiday experience. We invite you to come and explore the seasonal transformation of Port Hope from November 24, 2023 until January 2, 2024.
The Candlelight Walk and Park Lighting Ceremony will return this year, along with an outdoor vendor market and wagon rides. Follow along on Facebook for event updates and announcements.
Find that Festive Feeling - Lots to See and Do in Port Hope
Candlelight Walk
The Candlelight Walk returns for 2023 on Friday November 24 at 6:00 p.m.
The procession will begin at Our Lady of Mercy parking lot (155 Walton St). Bring a donation for the Fare Share Food Bank, a light, and your singing voice.
The tradition of the Festival of Lights and Trees returns, along with the both a naught and nice Christmas Panto.
Critical Mass Art is working to bring projection art and workshops to the Festival program this year.
Enjoy a classic wagon ride around our seasonally-decorated, historic downtown.
It’s All Right Here...
Shopping the downtown and festival marketplace is a favourite component of the Candlelight Festival experience. This year, we invite you to visit our vendor marketplace (in-person and online) as well as our distinctive local establishments for all your holiday shopping.
Port Hope Merchants
Port Hope is adorned with holiday décor, and some shops are open late to celebrate the holiday season. Visit our friendly and creative merchants all around town for one-of-a-kind finds.
Explore the HBIA website
Explore the Port Hope Chamber website
Vendor Markets
Visit the Candlelight Festival Market in Lent Lane and the Port Hope Farmers Christmas Market in the Town Hall parking lot on select dates.
Check below for details and times.
Marketplace Schedule |
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Candlelight Festival Evening Market:
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Vendor Registration |
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Both markets are open to emerging and established artists and makers. We are seeking vendors who can commit to setting up an outdoor display on the respective market dates.
To register for the Candlelight Festival Market on November 24, please fill out our application. Candlelight Vendor application To register for the Farmers' Market Christmas Pop Up, please contact Pat Groves. |
Wrap It Up
Have you been shopping local and need some help with wrapping?
Bring your locally purchased gifts to the free Wrap It Up station, coordinated by the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce.
Visit the Racine Law office at 50 Walton St. on the following dates and times to have your locally purchased gifts wrapped.
| Wrap It Up Schedule |
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Schedule details to be announced
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Holiday Light Display
Enjoy the beautiful and festive holiday light display in Memorial and Rotary Parks.
During the dark of winter, the illuminated parks and hand-painted miniature historic buildings bring a sense of joy and enchantment to our downtown from November 24 until January 2.
Celebrate and create this season
Participate in new and old traditions with your household. Check out the details below and follow our Facebook event for regular updates. Find other local events and celebrations this season on our event calendar.
| Candlelight Walk details | ||||||||||||
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The Candlelight Festival includes an illuminated procession and carol-sing down Port Hope's main street, lighting of the bandshell, live music, projection art, an outdoor market, festive food and moonlight shopping! The Candlelight Festival Walk takes place Friday November 24. It will begin at Walton & Pine Streets (155 Walton St.) at 6:00pm. Bring your singing voice and participate in the group carol sing along the route. Participants are invited to bring their own light source to carry (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, available with a pay-what-you-can donation. Participants are also invited to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Fare Share Food Bank. Caroling Song Sheets will be provided at the start of the Walk. Our friends at SONG will help lead the caroling and encourage all participants sing along to some holiday favourites. Following the Walk, indulge in a cup of hot cider in Memorial Park and help us countdown to light up the Park for the season. Listen to live music, and head over to Lent Lane to explore the vendor outdoor market, and wander through the downtown. Participating stores will be open late on November 24 as part of Moonlight Madness, presented by the Port Hope HBIA. The Knights of Columbus Hall will be open as a warming room throughout the evening, so pop in for a hot beverage and a treat, and make a holiday craft, courtesy of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department! From 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on November 24, the Capitol Theatre will be hosting a Sneak Peek of the Festival of Lights and Trees. This magical experience is in its 28th year - be sure to check it out! This event is hosted in partnership with the Municipality of Port Hope, Critical Mass Art, Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, FBC Port Hope and the Heritage Business Improvement Area. The organizing team thanks all our partners for their contributions to this annual experience. To view the walk route, visit our festival map, and toggle on the Candlelight Walk Route Map layer at the bottom. Our Song List will be posted here before the event so you can practice before the big day! |
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| Festival Schedule at a glance | ||||||||||||
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The Candlelight Festival is an annual holiday experience. We invite you to come and explore the seasonal transformation of Port Hope from November 24, 2023 until January 2, 2024. Check out the Festival of Lights and Trees viewing schedule and Panto showtimes for more festive fun at the Capitol Theatre! Festival activities by date:
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Creative Partners and Sponsors
Special thanks to all the creative and caring hands that helped deliver our Candlelight Festival experience.
Festival Partners
Candlelight Sponsors
How to become a partner or sponsor |
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The Port Hope Candlelight Festival begins the last Friday in November and will run until January 2 the following year. We are seeking community partnerships and sponsorship to assist us in the delivering a creative and engaging program. Sponsorship provides an opportunity for organizations to connect with the Festival audience and help celebrate the holiday season throughout Port Hope. We are also seeking interested artists and makers to participate in our Candlelight Festival Market in Lent Lane. Email us today to discover how you can be a part of this annual winter event. |