City lights up the holidays with sixth annual Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light

The City of St. Catharines is delighted to bring back its cherished holiday festival, Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light, for its sixth season. 

Kicking off Saturday, Nov. 21, and running through to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, this year’s festival will illuminate Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie, and downtown St. Catharines with dazzling light displays and free, family-friendly activities.

“Let It Glow has become a much-loved holiday tradition, bringing people together to celebrate the season and experience the magic of winter in St. Catharines,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe. “As we return for another year, we’re excited to continue building on that tradition, creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike and giving everyone another reason to get out, explore and enjoy the holiday season in our community.”

Residents and visitors are invited to get into the spirit of the season at the opening night celebration on Nov. 21 with live entertainment, glow-in-the-dark giveaways, complimentary hot chocolate and more at Rennie Park and Lakeside Park. From 5-8 p.m. families can enjoy free photos with Santa, beloved characters, nostalgic rides on the historic Lakeside Park Carousel and a special drone and fireworks show at 6 p.m.

Highlights of Let it Glow 2026

Rennie Park Illumination Displays

More than 50 illuminated installations await visitors at Rennie Park, with a variety of interactive light sculptures for all to explore. These vibrant displays make for stunning photo opportunities and a magical evening experience.

Lakeside Park Fun (Opening Night Only)

On Nov. 21, wander Lakeside Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to 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.

Fireworks and Drone Show (Opening Night Only)

On Nov. 21, find a spot on the grass in Rennie Park to watch an incredible drone show bookended with fireworks over Martindale Pond at 6 p.m.

Photos with Santa (Opening Night Only)

On Nov. 21, Santa will be on hand at Lakeside Park for pictures and a meet-and-greet. The first 500 guests (while supplies last) who bring a non-perishable food item for Community Care will receive their photo in a keepsake ornament.

Let It Glow Light Tour

New this year, from November 21 to January 3, the City of St. Catharines invites residents and businesses to take part in the Let It Glow Light Tour. Residents and businesses are encouraged to let their property shine with festive lights and decorations. All registrants will be added to the official Let It Glow Light Tour Map – published on the Let It Glow website. Residents and visitors will vote for their favourite light display in each ward by scanning the QR code on the lawn sign at participating properties. The display with the most votes in each ward will be awarded a prize.

Learn more and register at stcatharines.ca/lightour.

Downtown St. Catharines Light Up

• City Hall Wonderland: Transformed into a holiday beacon, City Hall will shine bright with thousands of lights and a three-storey, fully lit Christmas tree. This annual display is a favourite for photos and will bring festive energy to the heart of downtown.
• St. Paul Street Canopy: Take a stroll under a sparkling canopy of thousands of twinkling lights that stretches across St. Paul Street, creating a truly enchanting winter scene.
• A Winter’s Night in James Street Alley: This cozy alleyway, connecting James Street to Garden Park, will be adorned with shimmering lights, providing a serene space for evening strolls or quiet moments during the festive season.

Tree of Giving Campaign

The City’s annual Tree of Giving campaign returns for its 29^th year, starting Thursday, Nov. 12. This campaign helps families enjoy the holiday season, donating hundreds of toys and gift cards to deserving children. The community can drop off new, unwrapped gifts or gift cards in support of Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold at designated City facilities during the holiday season. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/treeofgiving.

Mitten Tree Campaign

Starting in December, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre brings back its annual Mitten Tree Campaign. Residents are encouraged to help local families in need by donating winter clothing at the museum. Donations will be delivered weekly to Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold and Start Me Up Niagara to support families across the community.

New Year’s Eve Public Skate

Ring in the New Year on Thursday, Dec. 31 with a free public skate from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. With all four pads open, one featuring a glow-in-the-dark experience with free glow stick giveaways for skaters, this is a fun, festive way to welcome 2027. Character visits, face painting, and a family photo booth add extra fun to this family-friendly New Year’s celebration.

Let It Glow Movie Night

On Saturday, Jan. 2 residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a free movie night at the Olde Lock One Commons in Port Dalhousie from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature a selection of short films, with snacks and warm beverages available for purchase. 

Holiday Public Skating and Family Swims

Residents can take advantage of special holiday public skating and family swims. Find skate and swim schedules, admission requirements and more information at stcatharines.ca/activestc.

Let It Glow: A Celebration of Light is made possible through the generous support of the Tourism Partnership of Niagara and the Province of Ontario, whose investment helps bring this free, family-friendly celebration of light to the community. Ontario Power Generation and TELUS PureFibre are also proud community sponsors for this year's event and helping create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Everyone is invited to experience the wonder of Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light. This free, self-guided event offers countless ways to make holiday memories and explore our city’s most scenic spots, from downtown streets to neighbourhood parks.

Learn more at stcatharines.ca/letitglow.