Toronto 
Esplanade Park is gearing up for this weekend’s festive “Winter Nights, City Lights” event.
Credit: City of Pickering
The City of Pickering will host its annual “Winter Nights, City Lights” celebration at Esplanade Park on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15, 2025. The event features festive decorations, fireworks, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, and a new art installation.
Valley Farm Road, The Esplanade North, The Esplanade South, and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex turning circle will be temporarily closed to facilitate the event.
What to See and Do
Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions during the two-day festival.
- Festive Lighting and Fireworks: The park will be illuminated with holiday decor, culminating in a fireworks display.
- Live Performances: The WonderPhil Family Magic Show takes the stage at 6:30 p.m., with additional performances at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Star Dance Academy appears at 7:50 p.m., and Northfire Circus will close the program.
- Artisan Markets: Shop from local vendors like Aboot Canada Eh!, Crafts by Carmen, Khloe’s Gifts, and Phantom Creations Jewelry.
- Art Installation: Public art installations will feature Aambe Giigidodaa Debwewim (Let Us Speak the Truth) by Leigh Simpson-Ahwanaquot in the City Hall Courtyard. Artist Ray Vidal will create window paintings at City Hall and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
- Food Vendors: Attendees can find meals from Didi Grill, Born2Eat, Ali’s Wraps and the Gloria Food Truck, along with desserts from Sweet Delights and Munchie Mobile, the latter appearing Friday only. BeaverTails will also operate Friday, while Yummilicious Kettlecorn will join exclusively on Saturday.
- Letters to Santa: Drop your Letters to Santa at the Canada Post station inside Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
- Roaming Characters: A cast of roaming winter characters will animate the festival, including the Snow Glow King and Queen, Winter Starlight, the Flying Frosted Fawns, the Crystal Queen, the Light Fairy, Jack Frost and the Winter King. Visitors may also encounter surprise appearances from the Grinch and Santa Claus.
- Pickering Community Concert Band: Join a holiday singalong in the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex lobby.
- Black Joy Holiday Market: Visit the market featuring black-owned vendors at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
Trip Planning – Winter Nights, City Lights
Credit: City of Pickering
Watch as the city lights up Esplanade Park with festive decor and fireworks. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a new art installation, Instagram-worthy photo ops, artisan markets, and more.
When: Friday, November 14 & Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
6:00 pm – Tree Lighting & Fireworks (Nightly)
How Much: Free admission
St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank will be collecting Food & Toy Donations.
Where:
Esplanade Park & Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering
Road Closures
Valley Farm Road, The Esplanade North, The Esplanade South, and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex turning circle will be temporarily closed to facilitate the event.
- Valley Farm Road – will be closed from The Esplanade North to The Esplanade South/Diefenbaker Court on Friday November 14, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm each day.
- The Esplanade North – will be closed from Valley Farm Road to the Pickering Civic Complex underground ramp on Friday November 14, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
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- Temporary parking restrictions on both sides of the road will be present on Thursday November 13, 2025 until Saturday, November 15, 2025 from Valley Farm Road to the Pickering Civic Complex underground ramp for when the road is open to traffic.
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- The Esplanade South – will be closed from Valley Farm Road to Glenanna Road from Friday, November 14, 2025 – 7:00 am to Sunday, November 16, 2025 – 12:00 am (midnight). Both sidewalks will not be accessible during the closure.
- Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Turning Circle – will be closed on Friday November 14, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm each day.
