The festive season begins in Port Hope
By Cecilia Nasmith
A season of festive events and activities kicks off this weekend in Port Hope, and the municipality has issued a press release listing a variety of traditional experiences to mark the holidays.
It starts Friday with the Candlelight Festival, a holiday experience that showcases the seasonal transformation downtown with a walk to Memorial Park and the big holiday light display. This year, it begins at 155 Walton St. (at Walton and Pine) at 6 p.m. Bring your own light source – a lantern, a candle with a protective container, battery-powered candle or flashlight – and a limited number of flame- and battery-operated candles will be available at the start of the walk. As well, participants are invited to bring along a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Fare Share food bank.
Music is a big part of the evening and caroling song sheets will be distributed at the start of the walk. Leading the music will be Sounds of the Next Generation, who will encourage everyone to sing along to a variety of holiday favourites.
At the end of the route in Memorial Park, there will be live music and a countdown to the lighting, which will include art projections from the Critical Mass Art Illuminights Project. Afterwards, everyone is invited to stop into the Knights of Columbus Hall to warm up and enjoy a holiday craft before strolling downtown to see what the town has to offer.
For one thing there's the outdoor vendor market in Lent Lane, open the evening of the Candlelight Walk and on three afternoons through the month of December – a wonderful opportunity to make a dent in your Christmas list, thanks to a variety of homespun products and gifts on display.
Following the big kick-off, the merriment continues.
Santa Claus Parade
The 86th annual Santa Claus Parade is coming to town Saturday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. The parade retuirns this year with the traditional format and route – starting at Ridout Street, along Walton Street to Queen Street, then south to Augusta Street.
Many local businesses and community groups will be providing live music, floats and displays. Fare Share food bank volunteers will be collecting donations of non-perishable food and personal items, and the Rotary Club of Port Hope will be collecting parade donations.
Capitol Christmas
The Festival of Lights and Trees is back at the Capitol, an immersive experience that illuminates Northumberland County's holiday spirit like nothing else. This annual fundraiser has long been a community favourite, creating memories and enthralling guests of all ages. Drop into the Capitol (20 Queen St.) between Nov. 25 and Dec. 16 to enjoy the trees and lights.
Wagon rides
Take a free ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the downtown, courtesy of Top Notch Carriage Service, on four different dates.
Friday Nov. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m.
Pick-ups take place at the Walton Street bridge (just east of Queenie's Bake Shop), and run in a loop through the downtown.
Free ROLLS Transit
The Rotary Club of Port Hope has generously covered the cost of the municipality's ROLLS Transit Service for the month of December. Residents who are already enrolled as ROLLS members can enjoy the service without fees from Dec. 1 through 31.
The Rotary Club has also sponsored Christmas-light tours from Dec. 13 to 20. Reservations for these one-hour bus tours are also open to ROLLS members as well as residents of Empire Crossing, Hope Street Terrace, Roseglen Village, Extendicare and Regency Park. Tours run from 5 to 8 p.m. For more details or to book a spot, call the Transit Co-ordinator at 905-885-9891.
Parks, Recreation and Culture activities
Saturday, Dec. 3, will be Festive Fun Day at the Town Park Recreation Centre on Saturday, Dec. 3, when Santa joins everyone from 2 to 4 p.m. Festive Fun Day includes crafts, games, refreshments and bouncy castles. Just a reminder: masks are strongly recommended for indoor settings by provincial health experts.
Opportunities to stay active during the holiday break include swimming, skating and gym drop-ins. Select dates and times are free, thanks to generous local sponsors, and a schedule is available at Seasonal Activities
This site is also your guide to the festive holiday workshops that are back, with multiple days, times and activities for all ages.
Three is much more holiday programming being offered throughout the community. Follow the Candlelight Festival Facebook event for regular updates, and check the events calendar on the municipal website for a full list of local activities.
