First Light Festival 2024: Candlelit Holiday Magic
For 24 years, Sainte-Marie’s First Light Festival has charmed visitors with thousands of glowing candles, holiday festivities, and a warm community atmosphere. This year, the festival promises even more magic by including two breathtaking candlelit attractions: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and the Martyrs’ Shrine. If you’re ready to start your holiday season with sparkle, music, and tradition, here’s why you should experience First Light.
Festival Highlights: What to Look Forward To
Here’s what makes Sainte-Marie’s First Light such a beloved annual tradition:
- Two Candlelit Sites: For one ticket price, you’ll explore both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine—two locations illuminated with thousands of candles.
- Holiday Market: Get ahead on your holiday shopping at the artisan market featuring over 50 local vendors selling handcrafted goods, art, and food items.
- Festive Performances: Enjoy live music, including harp, folk, and traditional French-Canadian performances, along with special community choir events.
- Interactive Activities: Participate in candle-making demos, blacksmithing, and festive craft stations for kids at both sites.
Event Schedule and Dates: Plan Your Visit
Dates: November 21-24, November 28 – December 1, December 5-8, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday Nights Special: Fireworks display at Sainte-Marie at 7 p.m., plus additional community choir performances at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
What’s Included with Admission?
Your ticket to First Light includes access to both Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine. Wander through each site at your own pace and enjoy the festive atmosphere, activities, and stunning candle displays. Here’s what’s in store:
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
- Live Music Performances: Rotating acts, including harpists, folk singers, and drummers.
- Holiday Demonstrations: Watch blacksmiths at work, hear Indigenous legends in the longhouse, and learn about traditional candle-making.
- Festive Dining Options: Reserve a table at Restaurant Sainte-Marie or grab snacks like hot chocolate and popcorn at the historic site’s candy shop.
Martyrs’ Shrine
- Candlelit Church of St. Joseph: Step into the beautifully lit church, with music creating an atmosphere of holiday reflection.
- Family Fun and Saint Nicholas: Enjoy family-friendly activities, meet Saint Nicholas, and light a Christmas candle.
- Gift Shop and Seasonal Gifts: Find unique Christmas items and festive decor at the Shrine gift store.
Additional Features: Parking, Shuttles, and Accessibility
Parking is available at both Sainte-Marie and the Martyrs’ Shrine, with overflow parking and shuttle service from the Midland Wal-Mart on Friday and Saturday evenings. Wheelchair-accessible parking spots are available, but these fill quickly. If you’re up for a stroll, a 10-minute lit pathway connects Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine, adding a bit more enchantment to the journey.
Ticket Details and Admission Options
- General Admission: $15 per person (tax included)
- Kids Under 5: Free
- Discounts: Entry is free for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit guests (with valid ID), Canadian Armed Forces members, and companions of guests with disabilities.
- Food Donations: Bring non-perishable food to donate to the Salvation Army at the main entrance of Sainte-Marie.
Event Essentials
- Website: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons – First Light Festival
- Locations: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons & Martyrs’ Shrine, Midland, Ontario
- Dates: Select dates from November 21 – December 8, 2024
- Times: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Admission: $15 per person; free for children under 5 and eligible discounts
- Food and Beverage: Traditional dining available at Restaurant Sainte-Marie; snacks available for purchase
- Parking & Shuttle: Available on-site, plus shuttle from Wal-Mart on weekends
Note: Details may change at the discretion of the organizers. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
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