Barrie 
Events Description
Now in its 23rd year, Sainte-Marie’s First Light is an award-winning, must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family activities and live musical performances, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles.
Explore our vendor fair to get a head start on your holiday shopping, enjoy take-home crafts and historical demonstrations, and wander through candlelit historical buildings and pathways dressed in beautiful seasonal greenery. Then warm up with a hot cup of cocoa by the fire!
There’s a reason this event is an annual tradition for many. Come and experience a little holiday magic!
And of course, you can expect to be guided through the historic mission by thousands and thousands of candles, creating a beautiful amber glow.
- Live musical performances by:
- Ruth Sutherland, harpist
- Doug Feaver, folk music
- Vince Therrien, French folk music
- Chris Walser, hand drumming and stories
- Emma Reynolds, singer/songwriter (Saturdays only)
- Community Choirs (Thursdays only)
- And more!
- Demonstrations and activities include:
- Indoor and outdoor blacksmithing demonstrations
- Indigenous legends and stories in the longhouse
- Candlemaking demonstrations
- Quill pen writing activity
- Festive photo booth
- Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Birds of Prey, Thursdays only
Artisan market details
- More than 45 artisans, crafters and vendors will be located throughout the Brébeuf Event Centre and the indoor museum
- There is no ATM on site and some vendors only take cash
- Only hand-made, one-of-a-kind items available for purchase
Food and beverage options:
- You can purchase hot chocolate and fresh-made popcorn in advance, online or at admissions, for pickup on the historic site.
- The Big Canoe Food Truck, run by the Martyr’s Shrine, will be offering favourites like poutine and burgers on the patio.
- Grounded Coffee Co. will be serving hot beverages, cookies, and handheld tourtières on the patio
- Pick up a free cookie in the cookhouse!
HOW MUCH
Tickets :
$15 a person (tax inc.)
No reservation required – walk-ins welcome! People who purchase online tickets, or who are eligible for free admission, can proceed to the express lane upon arrival.
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
November 16, 17 and 18; November 23, 24 and 25; November 30, December 1 and 2, 2023 | 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Venue:
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
16164 HWY 12 E, Midland
- Limited parking is available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.
- Shuttle parking is available at the Midland WalMart, with FREE shuttles running continuously from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. or until everyone has been returned to their vehicle.
- There are wheelchair accessible parking spots at Sainte-Marie, by the main entrance,
