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Candlelight Festival

HomeThings To DoCommunity EventsCandlelight Festival
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blue banner with candlelight festival written on it

The Candlelight Festival is an annual holiday experience. We invite you to come and explore the seasonal transformation of Port Hope from November 25, 2022 until January 2, 2023.

The Candlelight Walk and Park Lighting Ceremony will return this year, along with an outdoor vendor market, wagon rides and other art-forward festival experiences.

The Port Hope Candlelight Festival is delivered in partnership by the Municipality of Port Hope, Heritage Business District, Critical Mass Art, Chamber of Commerce and other caring community hands.

Check our schedule at-a-glance, follow along on Facebook and view our festival map from anywhere.

Find that Festive Feeling - Lots to See and Do in Port Hope

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Candle icon

Candlelight Walk

The Candlelight Walk returns for 2022 on Friday November 25 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.

Candlelight Walk details 

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Capitol Christmas

The tradition of the Festival of Lights and Trees returns, along with the Christmas Panto.

Capitol Christmas Schedule

Illuminights logo
Projection Art

Critical Mass Art is working to bring projection art and workshops to the Festival program this year.   

What's On at Critical Mass

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Wagon Rides

Enjoy a classic wagon ride around our seasonally-decorated, historic downtown.

Wagon Ride Schedule

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. 

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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

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Vendor Marketplace

The Candlelight Festival Market in Lent Lane will pop up on one evening and three afternoons.

Check below for details and times.  

Marketplace Schedule

Evening Market:

  • Friday, November 25: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Afternoon Markets:
  • Saturday, December 3: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 10: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 17: 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Vendor Registration
The Port Hope Candlelight Festival Market in Lent Lane is open to emerging and established artists and makers.
We are seeking vendors who can commit to setting up an outdoor display on one or more of the dates.
Register to be a vendor

View the digital marketplace map

Gift icon

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
  • November 25 - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Candlelight Festival kick off!)
  • November 26 - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (During the Santa Claus Parade)
  • December 3 - 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
  • December 10 - 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
  • December 17 - 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Location: Racine Law office at 50 Walton St. 

bandshell and trees lit up with Christmas lights in the dark

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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 25 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.

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50th Christmas Tile

A traditional keepsake available for purchase at Holton Flowers and the Chamber of Commerce.

Details at the Visitors Centre
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Ring in the New Year

Critical Mass Art will be presenting an end-of-year outdoor art illumination and an early NYE countdown!

Find Out More
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Festive Fun Day

Come visit Santa and participate in a variety of fun games, crafts and activities!

See Calendar Listing
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Santa Claus Parade

The Port Hope Santa Claus Parade returns to downtown Port Hope on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Parade Details
Candlelight Walk details

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 25. 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 some 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 25 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 25, the Capitol Theatre will be hosting a Sneak Peek of the Festival of Lights and Trees. This magical experience is in its 26th 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.

Check out our Carol List, curated by SONG, to give your pipes some practice before the big day!

Festival Schedule at a glance

The Candlelight Festival is an annual holiday experience. We invite you to come and explore the seasonal transformation of Port Hope from November 25, 2022 until January 2, 2023.

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:

 Friday, November 25

The Candlelight Festival begins! 

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Market in the Lane

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Festival of Lights and Trees Sneak Peek

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wagon Rides in the downtown

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 pm. Wrap It Up Gift Station

5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Indoor warming area open at the Knights of Columbus Hall

6:00 p.m. Candlelight Festival Walk begins

6:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m. IllumiNIGHTS Projections at the Little Station

6:30 p.m. Park Lighting Ceremony in Memorial Park

Moonlight Madness throughout the downtown, with participating stores open late!

 Saturday, November 26

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wrap It Up Gift Station

1:00 p.m. Port Hope Santa Claus Parade

Friday, December 2
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. IllumiNIGHTS display by Critical Mass Art at the Port Hope Public Library (Mary J Benson branch), The Little Station, and the Port Hope Knights of Columbus Hall
 Saturday, December 3

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Market in the Lane

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wagon Rides in the downtown

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm. Wrap It Up Gift Station

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Festive Family Fun Day at the Town Park Recreation Centre

Saturday, December 10

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Market in the Lane

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wagon Rides in the downtown

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wrap It Up Gift Station

12:00 p.m. - 2:00p.m. Digital Drawing & Animation Workshop with Kelly Kirkham at the Knights of Columbus Hall (1 Elias Street)

Friday, December 16
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. IllumiNIGHTS display by Critical Mass Art at the Port Hope Public Library (Mary J Benson branch), The Little Station, and the Port Hope Knights of Columbus Hall
Saturday, December 17

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Market in the Lane

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wagon Rides in the downtown

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm. Wrap It Up Gift Station

Saturday, December 31
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. NYE Illumination Event by Critical Mass Art
Monday, January 2
Monday January 2 is the last day to view the Holiday Light Display in Memorial Park and Rotary Park.
 Hand-Painted Miniature Historic Buildings
  • Walton St. Dress Shoppe (circa 1867), built by Robert C. Smith
  • Walton St. Chemist (circa 1850), built by Nathan W. Leverich
  • Capitol Theatre (circa 1830), an Art-Deco-influenced atmospheric theatre. The theatre closed in 1987 and reopened in 1995. Further renovations were done in 2020.
  • Union Cemetery (est. 1873, buildings circa 1880)
  • 72 Augusta St. (circa 1865), owned by Henry Russell, restored in 1993
  • 254 Ridout St., the "Trick House" (circa 1850), home of Richard Trick, mason & bricklayer
  • Log Cabin, Hope St. N. (circa 1847), originally on Mastwood Road, Hope Township, built by Nicholas Dodds. His descendents, Judy & Don Dodd, acquired and dismantled the house before generously donating it to Clay Benson to restore it to its original stature on the Benson property, beside the Ganaraska River.
  • The Randall House, Little Hope St., moved from original site in 1845 or 1846. Mr. Randall owned a stationary shop downtown, which was in business until the early 2000s. If he was to follow the fashion of the times, the exterior ashler siding would have been painted with a paint & sand mixture to provide the illusion of a stone house. The house was renovated by Don & Joan Rumgay in the 1990s.
  • The Mowat House, King St. (circa 1840). Originally owned by William Mitchell, Farley & Claire Mowat have owned it since 1976. Farley's parents owned it from 1959 - 1976.

Creative Partners and Sponsors

Special thanks to all the creative and caring hands that helped deliver our Candlelight Festival experience.

Festival Partners

Port Hope HBIA Logo

critical mass logo

FBC Port Hope logo

Port Hope Chamber of Commerce logo

Candlelight Sponsors

A logo reading "Henderson Construction".

A blue circle with white text that reads, "Port Hope Chamber: Our Community, Your Business".

A logo with a green "A" that reads, "Aspira Empire Crossing Retirement Living".

White text that reads "A Productions".

Logo with a tri-coloured triangle with a flame in the centre, above text that reads "Premium Fire Protection".

A black rectangle with white text that reads "Build X".

 How to become a partner or sponsor

The Port Hope Candlelight Festival begins the last Friday in November (November 25, 2022) and will run until January 2, 2023. 

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.

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Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Northumberland Hills.

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Port Hope ON L1A 3Z9

Phone 905-885-4544
Fax 905-885-7698

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