This holiday season, Stratford invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting Lights On Stratford winter festival.
The heart of this historic city will be transformed into a luminous wonderland featuring artful light installations and interactive displays.
Running from December 15th, 2023, to January 13th, 2024, this enchanting winter festival debuted in 2020 will illuminate the town’s historic downtown and parks with a stunning array of light art and interactive installations.
This year’s theme, “EMERGENCE,” symbolizes the act of bringing to light, aligning with the festival’s essence of revealing beauty in the midst of darkness.
The festival, hosted by Destination Stratford, is set to dazzle visitors Thursdays through Sundays, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and offers a multitude of engaging activities.
Opening night, scheduled for December 15th at 6:00 pm in Market Square, promises free Rhéo Thompson hot chocolate and a unique community-wide light art project. Participants can join a Flashlight Mob, writing wishes on sticky notes, and dispersing like dandelion seeds beneath a drone-captured video.
Light installations include:
- The “Dandelion” light art installation in Market Square makes its North American premiere in Stratford after its successful debut at Vivid Sydney. Designed by Amigo & Amigo, “Dandelion” captivates audiences with its interactive displays and sound and light animations every ten minutes.
- Tom Patterson Island transforms into “SPACE ISLAND” with the return of the Solar System and the new Lunar Lamp Posts. The combination of overhead and bridge lighting promises an immersive space exploration experience.
- The interactive LightWall installation on 70 Ontario Street remains a permanent feature and offers a dynamic, interactive display of colour and movement.
- The 1886 landmark, Perth County Courthouse Tower, will be illuminated with colourful lights, becoming a vibrant beacon and highlighting Stratford’s architectural heritage.
- Created with MOSS LED and the Stratford Festival, this heart installation at Veterans Drive Bandshell honours frontline and healthcare workers, symbolizing community appreciation and care.
- Stratford Perth Museum’s historic trails are illuminated, featuring free snowshoe access, constellation myths, and special light-themed events for all ages.
- Gemstone lights added to the Confederation Park’s Bridge of Hope arch by Communities in Bloom Stratford enhance the journey across the Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden.
For skating enthusiasts, the festival offers free public skating sessions under the lights at the historic William Allman Memorial Arena, part of the Light Trail. The arena, one of Canada’s finest, welcomes skaters of all ages. Sessions are available on select dates between December 15th and January 13th.
While the festival is free, the festival supports the local Wellspring Cancer Support Centre through fundraising efforts. Festival-goers are encouraged to donate at tap-to-pay stations at main locations, contributing to this vital community cause.
Free hop-on-hop-off shuttle buses, provided in partnership with Stratford Transit, enhance the festival experience. These heated and accessible buses, adorned with lights, offer convenient transportation between major festival locations. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, excluding December 24th and 31st.
First-Time Visitors/Overnight Stay Packages:
If you are looking for more fun activities, explore the Stratford Chocolate Trail, a self-guided tour of the city’s renowned confectioners and bakers. The tour offers a delightful journey through the city’s sweet treats.
Stratford’s culinary scene is not to be missed, with the Stratford Al Fresco dining experience offering outdoor dining spaces around the city. This initiative features expanded outdoor dining areas with tables, umbrellas, and other amenities, making it an ideal way to enjoy the city’s diverse gastronomy.
The festival features a variety of special promotions at local businesses, including restaurants and bars. Each offers unique dining and drinking experiences, aligning with the festive spirit of the event.
- Black Swan Brewing: Cosmic Dandelion Pale Ale and a custom light-up table.
- BRCH & WYN: Weekly wine flight special for $35.
- Bluebird Restaurant & Bar: Special Lights On-tini cocktail.
- The Bunker Performance Lounge & Cafe: $10 “Gin”gerbread Tea cocktail and live music.
- Café Bouffon: $49 3-course dinner Prix Fixe with a wine pairing option.
- El Cactus Taco Shop: $40 margarita bundles.
- Fellini’s: Daily Lights On Feature menu and drinks.
- Full House Bar & Grill: Free kids hot chocolate with food purchase.
- Gallery Indigena: 10% off gift store merchandise on Fridays.
- Illume Wellness Spa: Special gift card offers.
- The Livery Yard: The Glow Up hot chocolate special.
- The Little Prince Micro-Cinema & Lounge: Popcorn and hot apple cider.
- Mercer Kitchen + Beer Hall: Various hot chocolate, Bento box, and warm cocktail offers.
- Pazzo Pizzeria: Wine Wednesday specials and $7 Friday deals.
- Poppin Kettle Corn: Cinnamon DeLIGHTS popcorn special.
- Relic Lobby Bar: Flight to Cayo Coco cocktail.
- revel: #AllLitUP Maple Bliss Latte.
- Sirkel Foods: Lights-On-wich special.
- The Starlight: Signature hot chocolate and limited edition cocktail.
Accommodation packages are available at various hotels, including Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel, The Bruce Hotel, Hotel Julie, Mercer Hotel, The Parlour Inn, and Acrylic Dreams B&B. These packages often include special offers such as welcome cocktails, food credits, and complimentary items.
- Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel: Offers a one-night stay, Rheo Thompson chocolates, two souvenir thermoses with hot beverages, and breakfast, with prices starting at $239 for a standard room.
- The Bruce Hotel: Provides a welcome cocktail and a complimentary item from the fireside menu with the code LIGHTSON23 during the festival period.
- Hotel Julie: 15% off stays, emphasizing local boutique shopping, with the code LIGHTSON.
- Mercer Hotel: Includes a $50 restaurant voucher, branded mugs and toques, hot chocolate, parking, and a king room for $259.
- The Parlour Inn: Features cozy accommodations, a $50 food credit, and a lobby hot beverage station for $199 plus taxes.
- Acrylic Dreams B&B: Offers the “Romantic Rejuvenating Winter Retreat” and “Mini Winter Romantic Escape” packages.