Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights serves as the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. Visited by thousands annually, it truly is a must-see event for all residents and visitors alike.

The festival features an array of lights, movements and sounds, and runs from mid-November into the New Year in Jane Forrester Park. It is supported by the City of Belleville along with community sponsors who give so generously each year. 

2020 Festival of Lights

November 20 - January 4

This year's Festival of Lights is a driving event to enjoy the holiday magic in Belleville and the Downtown District from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Pick up some hot chocolate and take a leisurely drive along the festival route to experience 5KM of holiday cheer with lighting displays and holiday music. 

Printable Route Map 

Locations:

• Victoria Park: 86 South Front St
• Driscoll Parkette: 31 South Front St
• Jane Forrester Park: 1 South Front St
• Kiwanis Bayshore Park: 1A Foster Ave S
• Rotary Fitness Park: 21A Keegan Parkway
• Downtown Belleville: Front Street

Download the printable route map.

Enchanted Downtown Belleville

Travel the festival route and head downtown for local shopping, dining and selfies in the giant Santa Chair. Plus free pedicab rides! Hop on a brightly lit pedicab for two and enjoy a free tour of Enchanted and the Festival of Lights.

For more about the Enchanted Downtown Belleville activities and to book your free pedicab ride, click here.

Vote For Your Favourite Holiday Decor

Houses and businesses along the Festival of Lights route have gone all out with holiday decor. Cast your vote for your favourite decor and the winners will receive $250! Voting is live from November 20, 2020 - January 4, 2021. Click here to cast your vote.

Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Sponsorship Opportunities

 The Festival of Lights display relies on the generosity of donors to maintain this beloved community treasure. Funds raised go towards refurbishing existing displays, replacing bulbs and/or purchasing new displays. All donations, no matter the size, are greatly appreciated.

Those interested in donating to a specific display or the event as a whole can now do so online:

Donate to the Festival of Lights

We are very grateful to all our donors this 2020 season:

History

From a senseless car accident tragedy on Christmas Eve in 1958, has come a testament to family love and the true spirit of Christmas. Originally developed as a tribute to their son Billy, Don and Rita Foster poured the grief over the loss of their son into building a Christmas display that would delight the young and young at heart. The car accident also took the life of Billy's friend Art "Sonny" Culloden and the Culloden family has generously donated to the refurbishment of this historic display in Sonny's memory.

2020 Donation Event 

Front Row L-R: Scott Scaletta E360S, Danny Ardellini CEO Environmental 360 Solutions Ltd.(E360s), Councillor Kelly McCaw, Councillor Pat Culhane, Councillor Sean Kelly, His Worship Mayor Mitch Panciuk, Councillor Chris Malette, Councillor Bill Sandison, Mrs. Annis Ross, Chair of the Lighting Display & Gateway Signage Committee,  Mr. Jamie Simpson Madison Excavating Inc., Mrs. Heather Henderson, Committee Member

Back Row  L-R:  Jason Reid, K.G Reid Trenching and Construction, Greg DeMille Fitzgibbon Construction Ltd, Jeff Reid, K.G Reid Truck Services Ltd. 

Festival of Lights documentary

As part of the Festival of Lights we are producing a documentary on the history of the display. It is expected to be 55-60 minutes in length and will be presented at Doc Fest in 2022.