City of St. Catharines Brings Back Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light for its Fourth Season
The City of St. Catharines is thrilled to welcome back its beloved holiday festival, Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light, returning for its fourth season of sparkle and joy.
Running from Nov. 29, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, the festival will once again transform Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie, and downtown St. Catharines into a winter wonderland filled with brilliant light displays, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer.
Opening Night – Saturday, Nov. 29 4-8 pm.
Join the celebration as Let it Glow kicks off with entertainment, glow-in-the-dark giveaways, and complimentary hot chocolate at both Rennie Park and Lakeside Park. The evening will feature appearances by beloved holiday characters, while the historic Lakeside Park Carousel spins with nostalgic charm. Families can also enjoy a Santa photo station with free keepsake photos to capture the magic of the moment.
From glowing parks to twinkling downtown streets, Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light invites everyone to experience the wonder of the season across St. Catharines. This free, self-guided event is the perfect way to make memories and celebrate the holidays close to home.
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 November 29 to January 4. Your cooperation will help make Let it Glow a safe and magical experience for everyone. See you under the lights!
Attractions
Festival Highlights
Rennie Park
Illumination
Port Dalhousie
Explore more than 50 dazzling installations at Rennie Park. From glowing tunnels to interactive light sculptures, it’s a perfect place to wander, play, and snap stunning photos.
Lakeside Park
Fun
Port Dalhousie
Opening Night Only (Nov. 29)
Enjoy rides on the Lakeside Park Carousel, meet Santa, and sip complimentary hot chocolate from 4–8 p.m. as Port Dalhousie shines with festive lights and holiday music.
City Hall
Wonderland
50 Church Street
A glowing centrepiece with thousands of twinkling lights and a towering three-storey Christmas tree.
St. Paul Street
Canopy
Downtown St. Catharines
Stroll beneath a canopy of glittering lights that stretches the length of St. Paul Street.
A Winter’s Night in
James Street Alley
Downtown St. Catharines
A peaceful, light-filled passage between James Street and Garden Park, perfect for evening walks.
Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail
Downtown St. Catharines
Get ready for two festive evenings in the heart of downtown.
Let It Glow: A Celebration of Light Port Dalhousie Prize Package
Enter for your chance to win a Let It Glow packages featuring $250 in gift cards from some of your favourite Port Dalhousie restaurants and shops.
Contest closes January 4th at 11:59pm.
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 29
4-8 p.m.
Port Dalhousie
Let It Glow Events
Photos with Santa
at Market Square
December 13 | 9 a.m. to noon
Market Square
91 King Street
Meet Santa and receive a complimentary professional photo, ideal for your holiday cards! While you’re there, browse the St. Catharines Farmers Market for local treats and gifts.
Mitten Tree
Campaign
Month of December
St. Catharines Museum
and Welland Canals Centre
Support local families in need by donating new or gently used winter wear at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. Donations will benefit Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold and Start Me Up Niagara. The Mitten Tree will be accepting donations from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.
New Year’s Eve
Public Skate
December 31 | 9:30 a.m. to noon
Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
Celebrate 2025 early with a free public skate from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. Enjoy four open ice pads, a glow-in-the-dark experience, glow sticks, character visits, and a festive family photo booth.
Cold Break Brewing
Cinnamon Latte White Stout
A light, frothy beer brewed with cinnamon and a cold infusion of Penny’s Kitchen coffee. Biscuity malts and oats add subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the smooth, rich coffee notes. Served on nitro for a creamy, indulgent finish.
Ludology Boardgame Cafe
Candy Cane Espresso Martini
A festive blend of Forty Creek Whisky, Wolfhead Coffee Liqueur, vanilla & peppermint syrup, fresh espresso, and a touch of glitter—served with a candy cane. Pairs surprisingly well with desserts, salads, and even the burger!
Thistle Bookshop & Cafe
Nutcracker Latte
A warm hazelnut latte topped with a decadent Nutella rim rolled in crushed peanuts, finished with a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce.
Bar Les Incompetents
Winter Sun
A festive clarified gin punch that tastes like the clementine in your Christmas stocking, grounded by savoury sun-dried tomato and herbal Provençal notes.
13th Street Winery
Lemon Rosemary Mimosa
Riesling and fresh-squeezed lemon, sweetened with house-made lemon, honey & rosemary syrup, topped with Blanc de Blanc and garnished with a rosemary sprig.
Twenty Kitchen & Bar
NOG
A rich, festive blend of Hennessy, cream sherry, almond milk, egg, vanilla, nutmeg, almond extract, and cream. Smooth, aromatic, and holiday-ready.
Decew Falls Brewing Co.
Gingerbread Ale
This gingerbread ale pours a warm amber with a soft, creamy head that hints at its cozy character. Aromas of ginger, cinnamon, echo fresh-baked holiday treats. On the palate, gentle malt sweetness supports the spice. Subtle caramel notes add depth, while the balanced spice profile keeps each sip smooth, warm, and inviting.
416 Coffee Co.
Carm’s Chocolate Orange
A nearly world famous seasonal special. A delicate blend of homemade orange syrup and 416’s patent pending milk chocolate sauce. Combined with their college street espresso its reminiscent of family gatherings from holiday’s past.
Henry of Pelham Family Estates
Sparkling Cider
Sweet, bubbly, and made for the season. This Sparkling Cider blends apple cider with Henry of Pelham Sparkling wine for a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday sipping!
oddBird.
Naughty Toddy
Warm, festive, and soothing. Served in a vintage crystal teacup, this layered hot cocktail blends Calvados, Espolon Reposado, Amontillado Sherry, a cinnamon–sherry cordial, and a touch of saline. The top chamber releases aromatics of apple & rooibos tea, fresh ginger, orange, and cinnamon for a cozy, fragrant finish.
Bright Pours Cafe
Iced Tiramisu Latte
An iced latte lightly sweetened with vanilla, then top it with house-made tiramisu whip, mascarpone, whipped cream, and espresso. A Bright Pours Café favourite.
Happies Kitchen & Juice Bar
Immunity Tonic
Feeling the sniffles coming on? Reach for the Immunity Tonic—fresh-pressed ginger, lemon, turmeric, cayenne, and honey for a natural boost to keep you feeling your best. It’s the perfect holiday pick-me-up to stay healthy through the season.
