Let It Glow – A Celebration of Light is a family-friendly, outdoor festival taking place from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025 and featuring dazzling interactive light displays, enchanting entertainment, colourful cultural programming and much more.
The free, self-guided lights festival will feature more than 50 illuminated displays including interactive components at Rennie Park in Port Dalhousie and in Downtown St. Catharines.
Dine, shop and explore amongst the glow of twinkling lights, have your picture taken with a glowing palm tree, a giant snow flake and more.
Don’t miss the opening night event for Let It Glow, featuring family fun in Port Dalhousie on Saturday, November 23. More details to come!
An Important Message
As we approach the opening of Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light, we want to thank the community for its excitement and support. This event has become a beloved holiday tradition, and we’re as thrilled about it as you are. To ensure everyone’s safety and the longevity of the displays, we kindly ask that you:
- Do not touch or move the lights or displays.
- Do not touch, plug in or unplug any electrical cords.
The lights are programmed to operate nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. from November 23 to January 5. Your cooperation will help make Let it Glow a safe and magical experience for everyone. See you under the lights!
Attractions
Light Installations
Rennie Park
Port Dalhousie
Nestled on the shore of Martindale Pond, Rennie Park will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights.
Follow the path under the archway of lights, be in tune with the singing light bulbs, have your picture taken with palm trees, snowflakes and snowmen or inside a beautiful lit frame.
Rankin Bridge
Downtown St. Catharines
Show your smiles at this interactive winter selfie-station.
Whether it’s with a 7-foot-tall snowman or Christmas tree, you’re sure to shine!
James St. Alley
Downtown St. Catharines
Even in the darkest places, the light can shine through.
This alleyway connecting James Street to Garden Park will be adorned with string lights and stars, making this a cozy place for a stroll on a winters’ night.
City Hall
50 Church Street
City Hall transforms into the Griswald’s house with thousands of lights and a 3-storey, fully lit Christmas tree!
Let It Glow Gift Card Giveaway
Enter for your chance to win one of two Let It Glow dining packages featuring $250 in gift cards from some of your favourite Port Dalhousie and Downtown St. Catharines restaurants.
Events
Launch Party
Join in the holiday spirit with live entertainment, glow-in-the-dark giveaways, and complimentary hot chocolate at both Rennie Park and Lakeside Park. A DJ, beloved characters, and buskers will bring additional holiday cheer, while the historic Lakeside Park Carousel offers nostalgic rides. Families can also capture memorable moments at a Santa photo station, with complimentary photos to share and cherish.
Saturday, November 23
5-8 p.m.
Port Dalhousie
Rennie Park
Wander through Rennie Park in Port Dalhousie and immerse yourself in the glow of sparkling light displays illuminating Port Dalhousie with a variety of interactive light sculptures. These vibrant displays make for stunning photo opportunities and a magical experience.
Lakeside Park
Enjoy rides on the classic Lakeside Park Carousel and a Santa photo station. Complimentary hot chocolate will keep everyone cozy as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Let It Glow Events
Kids Winter Workshop
November 29
St. Catharines Kiwanis
Aquatics Centre
Have fun creating your very own Grinch tree! The City of St. Catharines and The Watering Can present the Kids Winter Workshop Friday, November 29 to help keep your youngsters busy on the PD Day.
Mitten Tree Campaign
December
St. Catharines Museum
and Welland Canals Centre
The annual Mitten Tree Campaign is back and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre invites everyone to help local families in need by dropping off winter clothing donations at the museum.
Santa at Market Square
December 7 and 14; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Market Square
91 King Street
On Saturdays in December, families are invited to visit Market Square for a meet-and-greet with Santa. Enjoy complimentary professional photos with Santa, perfect for holiday cards. While you’re there, explore the St. Catharines Farmers’ Market for fresh, local goods and holiday gifts.
Holiday Public Skates and Swims
December and January
Various Locations
Enjoy special holiday public skating and family swims. Find the schedule at stcatharines.ca.ActiveSTC.
New Year’s Eve Public Skate
Tuesday, December 31
Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
Ring in the New Year with free Public Skating at Seymour Hannah from 9:30 am to 12 pm. All 4 pads will be available for skaters. One pad will be a glow in the dark experience. Glow sticks will be given out to all skaters. Attendees can also character visits and a family photo booth.
Santa’s Workshop Happy Hour Sour
Rosemary infused Scotch, Spiced Apple-Pear Syrup, Lemon Juice, Egg White, Gold Dust.
Suggested Pairing: Apple Crumble
Apple Tarte Tatine, Oat Crumble, Gorgonzola & Thyme Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce
Sugar Cookie Martini
Suggested Pairing: Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Our sweet with heat!
Jeremy’s Chocolate Orange Eggnog
Gosling’s Rum, Forty Creek Canadian Whisky, Homemade Eggnog, Chocolate and Orange Bitters
Suggested Pairings: Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding OR Crème Brûlée
Grinch-tini
Malibu coconut rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice with a sweet rim of coconut flakes
Suggested Pairing: Mango Salmon Roll
Elf Mojito
Bacardi rum, melon liqueur, garnishing with some pomegranate seeds to enhance the Christmas feel
Suggested Pairing: Green Curry
