Learn About the 2023 Lights On Stratford Festival
Published December 19th, 2023
All photography by Jay Kana.
Entering its fourth bright year, the 2023 Lights On Stratford festival is here and is simply stunning. In a city popularized by its theatre-themed Stratford Festival and a must-visit spring/summer/autumn destination, this festival reminds us that Stratford does indeed have year-round attractions.
Having attended the opening night this year, I can say with certainty that it’s incredibly well put together and if you can make the time, you should absolutely check it out. Best of all, it’s free!
How Many Main Festival Locations Are There For The 2023 Lights On Stratford Festival?
There are seven in total, each offering something wonderful.
The Dandelion Installation is at Stratford Market Square and is the keystone attraction in downtown. Hundreds of lights dance amongst themselves creating a beautiful and engaging light show that’s truly mesmerizing.
It’s both beautiful from inside and outside of them domed structure.
Fun fact; Dandelion launched earlier in 2023 in Sydney, Australia and this is its North American debut!
The Welcome Centre at 47 Downie Street doubles as a warming station in addition to having a great atmosphere.
The Lightwall at 70 Ontario Street is more than beautiful lights; they’re sound activated. Simply speak into the speaker and watch the 25-foot tall LED lights react.
Fun fact; this light installation is open year-round.
Tom Patterson Island bears a fun new name here; Space Island! There are lunar lamp posts mimicking our solar system, plus an interactive light display area, along with a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Enjoy Skate Dates at William Allman Memorial Arena at select dates and times and yes, the place will be decked out in lights.
The Veterans Drive Bandshell is where you’ll find the Heart installation, created with MOSS LED (from Our Glowing Hearts) and The Stratford Festival, this glowing heart was made after the first Lights On Stratford’s season.
The Perth County Courthouse Tower of Light brightens this architectural gem, which was created in 1886.
Here’s a handy interactive map; bookmark/save this article to get to it easily!
How can I see all the installations at the 2023 Lights On Stratford Festival?
You can drive to the ones outside of the Stratford core, or you can enjoy the “hop on, hop off” free shuttle bus service. The busses are clearly marked and they’re adorned with lights on the inside.
There are designated stops and it’s a great way to keep excess cars off the road during the festival.
Note that the shuttle bus does not run on December 24th or December 31st.
Are there any packages and specials for the 2023 Lights On Stratford Festival?
Absolutely! There are oh-so many from various places in town, including Bluebird Restaurant & Bar, Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall, The Bruce Hotel, Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel and many others.
One of the others include Black Swan Brewing, where they have plastic cups with LED lights embedded at the base that offer a variety of light sequences! There’s also a cool table that’s also lit from beneath - definitely photo-worthy.
Here’s a handy link to all of them!
What are the 2023 Lights On Stratford Festival Dates and Times?
December 15 to January 13, 5pm to 10 pm from Thursdays to Sundays.
Now there’s much more to Stratford than their Lights On Festival; head to their website and plan to spend some time there, including the Little Prince Cinema.