The Candlelight Festival
The Municipality of Port Hope is partnering with Critical Mass Art and the Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA) to host this year’s Candlelight Festival. Residents and visitors are invited to explore Port Hope and experience the magic of the holiday season at night.
The Candlelight Festival includes an illuminated procession and group carol sing down the main street, into Memorial Park for the lighting of the bandshell. The Walk will begin at Walton & Pine Streets (155 Walton St.) at 6:00 p.m. (an earlier start time for 2019). Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and bring their carol singing voices for this beloved community-building event.
Non-perishable food donations for Northumberland Fareshare are being accepted at the Walk start. Participants are encouraged to bring a donation in exchange for a candle (flame or battery) to carry along the route; however, individuals may also bring their own lanterns. The Outdoor Christmas Market will be in full swing in Lent Lane, with immersive art installations, festive food and moonlight shopping to explore until 9:00 p.m.
Moonlight Madness
In downtown Port Hope on November 29, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the business district during the annual Moonlight Madness event.
The beautifully decorated streets of heritage downtown will be abuzz while an array of unique shops and restaurants will be open late into the evening for one night only.
The pop-up night market in Lent Lane will include shadow puppet multi-media performance art, Christmas trees for sale, vintage holiday tunes spun by DJ, and the HBIA selfie station under the lights. Marlin Travel is hosting a warming station and photo booth inside their John Street location.
83rd Annual Santa Claus Parade
A spectacular cavalcade of festive sights and sounds, the annual Port Hope Santa Claus Parade will feature ten exceptional bands and over 40 floats and walking parties from local businesses, clubs and community groups. The Parade will make its way through the streets of Port Hope on Saturday, November 30, beginning at 1:00 p.m.* Parade-goers are encouraged watch for postal workers along the parade route collecting those special letters to Santa.
*The parade route begins at Ridout and Bramley Streets, continues down Walton Street, and turns South on Queen Street.
Please note that road closures will be in effect (along the parade route) starting at 12:30 p.m. on November 30. Roads will be re-opened directly following the parade; at approximately 2:15 p.m. Drivers are reminded not to park along the parade route during this time.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
