Kitchener 
Guelph’s Riverside Park is getting its annual glow-up, and this year’s setup is built for however you like to take in holiday lights, on foot with a slow wander or from the warmth of your car.
Credit: Rotary Club of Guelph
The Rotary Club of Guelph is set to illuminate Riverside Park with a dazzling display of Christmas lights, offering a festive experience for the community.
The event, starting on Saturday, December 13, invites visitors to either drive through the park to view the lights from the comfort of their car or to park and walk through the displays for a more immersive experience.
A team of dedicated Rotary volunteers has spent weeks preparing the lights and displays.
The event will feature festive light displays open every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. until December 31.
The return of Sparky the Train adds a bit of nostalgia, especially for families who make this a yearly stop.
Some nights also layer in extra perks: free carousel rides, sponsored by Wood Development Group, pop up on December 13, 20, and 24–27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on December 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The New Year’s Eve celebration promises to be a family-friendly affair with fireworks, sponsored by Tim Hortons, starting at 8:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the carousel rides and fireworks as part of the early celebrations to welcome 2026.
While admission is free, the Rotary Club of Guelph offers various donation options for those willing to contribute. Donations can be made online through Canada Helps. Additionally, volunteers will be available at the park entrance with contactless terminals for tap-based debit and credit card transactions.
All donations are greatly appreciated and support the charitable endeavours of the Rotary Club.
Guelph Sparkles in the Park
When:
December 13 – 31, 2025
Festive Light Displays Open nightly from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Free Carousel Rides ( Sponsored by Wood Development Group )December 13, 20, 24 – 27 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
New Years Eve (December 31) from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve at 8:00 PM ( Sponsored by Tim Hortons )
Where: Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, Guelph
