Kitchener 
This holiday season, Stratford invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting Lights On Stratford winter festival.
Credit: Lights On Stratford
Lights On Stratford is scheduled to run from December 12, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
This year’s theme, “Radiance,” reflects both visible light and the sense of collective brightness fostered by public gatherings in winter.
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.
The opening night is scheduled for Friday, December 12th at 6:00 pm in Market Square with Opening remarks by Startford’s Poet Laureate, a traditional grass dance and a free hot chocolate as well as a silent disco at 8 p.m.
Lights On Stratford
Light installations include:
- The “CHRONOHARP” light art installation in Market Square makes its North American premiere in Stratford after its successful debut at Vivid Sydney. Designed by Amigo & Amigo, this immersive light-and-sound sculpture responds to touch and invites public participation.
- BIRDS OF A FEATHER, a new interactive installation debuting at Lights On Stratford, features six illuminated bird sculptures ranging from 6.5 to 13 feet tall that respond to sound and highlight species native to the Stratford region. The project, created with Amigo & Amigo and supported by Nature Canada and local partners, also marks Stratford’s certification as a Bird Friendly City while engaging the community through a public naming initiative.
- This year’s ‘Local Artist Spotlight’, ‘WAYFINDING by Josh Bean is an immersive installation that uses moths and moonlight as inspiration to explore how moving through darkness can foster reflection, growth, and personal transformation.
- The “UWaterloo 13 Grandmother Moons” project features three works—Ripples Through Time, Healing Currents, and When We Come Together— that mark the second year of collaboration and highlight student-led explorations of water, healing, and reconciliation.
- EVERBRIGHT is a permanent interactive wall of 476 colour-changing dials at the Destination Stratford Welcome Centre, allowing up to 20 people to create large illuminated designs reminiscent of a modern Lite-Brite.
- LIGHTWALL is a year-round, voice-activated installation on the façade of 70 Ontario Street that responds to sound with shifting light patterns.
- HEART is a popular illuminated installation that has been reinstalled at the heritage bandshell on Veterans Drive beside the river.
- LIGHTBRIDGE is a permanent lighting feature introduced in 2024 that illuminates the arches of the William Hutt (Waterloo Street) Bridge with vibrant colours throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy free hot chocolates on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. while supplies last. On Fridays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be a silent disco party in Market Square. There will be food trucks on site on Fridays and Saturdays.
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For curling enthusiasts, the festival offers a glow-in-the-dark curling experience in partnership with the Stratford Country Club. There will be family sessions on weekend days and evening sessions for couples and friend groups throughout the Lights On Stratford festival.
In addition, the festival season brings the community together through winter theatre, live music, silent discos, art shows, film screenings, After Dark experiences, and special dining and accommodation offerings, with many visitors enjoying warm seasonal beverages while exploring the illuminated displays.
- Winter Getaway to Stratford – Top Winter Activities, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
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 25th, 26th and January 1st.
First-Time Visitors/Overnight Stay Packages:
Credit: Lights On Stratford
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.
Accommodation packages are available at various hotels, including The Bruce Hotel, Hotel Julie, The Parlour Inn, and Acrylic Dreams B&B.
- The Bruce Hotel: Provides a wellness escape in partnership with Terra Nova Nordic Spa
- The Parlour Inn: Offers a Bed & Breakfast Package starting from $144 per night, per room.
- Acrylic Dreams B&B: Offers the “Romantic Rejuvenating Package”
