Come celebrate the return to warmth and light in the heart of Kensington Market over the Winter Solstice. Support our local merchants and unique culture of Toronto’s beloved neighbourhood over the holidays.
This event beckons the return to light on the eve of the winter solstice every December 21st. On this longest night thousands of decorated revelers take part, with hand-made emblematic lanterns, encountering on route, tented-theatrical scenarios of shadow play, rooftop masking antics, roving giant puppets and stilted dancers with eclectic musical accompaniment. All are illuminated by the glow of fire breathers and spinners, a Fire Finale, and a community feast for the numerous volunteers harkening the return to light.
2023 Festival
In collaboration with community partners, Red Pepper Spectacle Arts presents a Street Festival program of fire warming stations, live music, theatrical scenarios, roaming ensembles of tall puppets, and fire arts all within the market. The public is invited to wander throughout, visiting sites of animation to participate in the return to light on the longest night of the year.
This year we are reflecting on the warm glow of the hearth and connection to community that expands our sense of belonging.
Red Pepper’s hand-made Solstice Lanterns will be on sale during the event, at 160 Baldwin St, as well as offered from our Solstice Lantern Pedicab weaving through the streets, from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.
We are adapting to a more intimate street event as the Alexandra Park Revitalization is in its construction stage. The 34th Annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice will NOT hold its Parade through Kensington and Fire Finale, in Alexandra Park.
PRODUCED BY RED PEPPER SPECTACLE ARTS
Who is it for?
All ages – Family
Dress warmly, with glowing adornment and bring a noisemaker to bring in the return to light.
Toronto 
