Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights

Holiday magic returns to Downtown Bracebridge!

November 20 to December 4, 2026

Hosted by the Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA), this much-loved tradition brings the community together to celebrate the season with festive activities, shopping, and entertainment for the whole family.

Moonlight Shopping Party and Street Festival
Friday, November 20, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with a late-night shopping celebration! Stroll through downtown shops, enjoy hot chocolate, marvel at the living holiday window displays courtesy of Bracebridge School of Dance Arts, and take part in family-friendly activities. The evening wraps up with a dazzling fireworks show. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive.

  • Children's Crafts and Activities
  • Fireworks at 8 p.m.
  • Food Vendors
  • Holiday Train
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Illuminated Fire Truck
  • Late night shopping
  • Living Windows - Bracebridge School of Dance Arts
  • Live entertainment tba
  • Local Vendors
  • Toy Drive
  • Visit with Santa

Self-Guided Activities
November 20 to December 4, 2026

Elf on The Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Explore Downtown Bracebridge in search of hidden holiday elves during the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. Spot them all in select businesses for your chance to win one of three $50 Shop the Bridge gift cards. 

Let It Glow
Holiday window display contest. Vote for your favourite store’s display for a chance to win one of three $50 Shop The Bridge Gift Cards.

Santa Claus Parade
Friday, December 4, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus is coming to town! Presented by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge/Muskoka Lakes, the parade begins at 6 p.m. and will make its way along Manitoba Street, filling downtown with lights, floats, and festive cheer.

Volunteer with the Festival of Lights

Play a vital role in celebrating the community and supporting Bracebridge’s tourism sector by volunteering to help make this festive event happen. Register online for a variety of shifts and positions.

Volunteers are needed for the following positions:

  • Pre-Event Set-up Crew
  • Day of Event - Event Attendant
  • Day of Event - Post-Event Teardown Crew

High-school aged volunteers will be eligible to receive documentation towards their 40-hours of community service. All volunteers must be over the age of 13 and in grade nine.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer for Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights Event Poster