2024 Holiday Events

The Municipality of Port Hope is ready to kick off the holidays with a variety of traditional experiences returning to mark the festive season. 

Candlelight Festival

The annual Candlelight Festival is a holiday experience that showcases the seasonal transformation of downtown Port Hope. Find that festive feeling in Port Hope with holiday shopping, dining, events, and festive décor from November 29, 2024 until January 2, 2025. 

Candlelight Walk, Light Display and Holiday Shopping 

The Candlelight Festival Walk takes place Friday, November 29. It will begin at Walton and Pine Streets (155 Walton St.) at 6:00 p.m. This year, the Candlelight Walk also celebrates the resilience of our community and downtown businesses during Phase 2 of the Walton Street reconstruction. The walk will mark the unofficial end of this phase, with only a few remaining tasks left before its official completion. 

Participants are invited to bring their own light source to carry (a lantern, candle with protective container, battery-operated candle, or flashlight). Some flame and battery-operated candles will be available at the start of the walk, while supplies last. Participants are also invited to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Fare Share Food Bank. 

This year’s carol list can be found on the digital Candlelight Song Sheet webpage. Our friends at SONG will help lead the caroling and encourage all participants sing along to some holiday favourites. 

The Walk will conclude at Memorial Park where there will be live music, cups of hot cider and a countdown to the park lighting display. Attendees can also warm up at the Knights of Columbus Hall, with some hot chocolate and Walton Street Phase 2 wrap-up celebratory cake provided by your Port Hope Council. Explore every block in the downtown, Be Walton and show them your local love. Participating stores and restaurants will be open late on November 29 as part of Block Friday Moonlight Madness, presented by the Port Hope HBIA. 

The outdoor vendor market will be set up in Lent Lane throughout the evening of the Candlelight Walk from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where you will find a wide variety of homespun products and gifts for those on your shopping list. 

Free transit will be running late (until 11:00 p.m.) on November 29 to help bring you to the downtown from around town. 

Santa Claus Parade 

The 88th annual Santa Claus Parade is coming to town on Saturday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Ridout Street and Bramley Street and continue along Walton Street to Queen Street, and then south to Augusta Street.  

This year's parade theme, "Miracle on Walton Street," celebrates the wrapping up of Phase 2 of the Walton Street Reconstruction project, just in time for the festivities. The parade is a vibrant community celebration, and this year it spotlights the return of activities to Walton Street. There will be live music, floats and so much community spirit from many local businesses and community groups. If you are able, consider donating a non-perishable food item to the Fare Share Food Bank, as a collection will be available along the parade route.   

Capitol Christmas 

The Festival of Lights and Trees event returns to the Capitol Theatre this season. An immersive fundraising experience that illuminates Northumberland County’s holiday spirit like nothing else. This annual fundraising initiative has been a community favourite since 1997, becoming a holiday tradition and creating memories for guests of all ages. Visit the Capitol Theatre to view the trees and lights between November 22 until December 22, and while you’re there, you can purchase tickets for the Panto and upcoming holiday concerts. 

Wagon Rides 

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown this holiday season. Top Notch Carriage Service will offer rides on four different dates: 

• Friday, November 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, December 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The pick-up location is the Walton Street Bridge, just east of Queenies Bake Shop. Carriage rides are free and will run in a loop through downtown Port Hope. 

For a full list of Candlelight Festival offerings, visit porthope.ca/candlelight-festival. 

Free Christmas Light Tours for Seniors 

The Rotary Club of Port Hope has sponsored Christmas light tours from December 16 to 20. Reservations for these one-hour bus tours are open to ROLLS members and residents of Empire crossing, Hope Street Terrace, Roseglen Village, Extendicare, and Regency Park. Tours run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For details and to book a spot, contact the Transit Coordinator at 905-885-9891. 

Tammie’s Jammies 

The Port Hope Police Service pajama drive “Tammie’s Jammies” is back for 2024. Donations of new pajamas for a child aged newborn to 18 years is greatly appreciated. Donation boxes will be located at all Municipal offices and on our transit buses until December 20.  

Holiday Activities with Parks, Recreation and Culture 

We are offering a variety of holiday themed experiences and activities for all to enjoy, including: 

• Festive Fun Day – Santa will be joining us at the Town Park Recreation Centre on Saturday, December 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free Festive Fun Day will include crafts, games, refreshments, and bouncy castles.  
• Stay active during the holiday break and join us for swim, skate, and gym drop-ins. Select dates and times are free thanks to our local sponsors. View the whole schedule on the Seasonal Activities webpage. 
• Festive holiday workshops are back with multiple days, times, and activities for the whole family. 
• Holiday Camp is running December 30, 31 and January 2, 3 for ages 4 to 12 years at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Register your child early as spots are limited.  

Visit porthope.ca/seasonal-activities for the full list of activities and detailed schedules. 

There is plenty more holiday programming being offered throughout the community to help you find that festive feeling this season. Follow the Candlelight Festival Facebook event for regular updates and check the events calendar for a full list of local activities. 

2024-11-14