Lights On Stratford

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."

- Maya Angelou

With the City itself as a dramatic stage, Lights On Stratford winter festival of lights has transformed the downtown core with luminous art and interactive light installations. Through the use of light and projections, City Hall and the new Tom Patterson Theatre have been dramatically brought to life. An interactive light exhibition will partner downtown storefronts in a coordinated streetside experience. These exhibits along with the illumination of Tom Patterson Island brought light and joy to the winter streets of Stratford, Ontario.

Stratford is home to some of the world’s best artists, lighting designers, props builders and creative minds. Lights On Stratford harnesses this precious resource of local talent to craft a truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Prepare to be dazzled.

Free to the public and designed to be safely enjoyed with physical distancing, Lights On Stratford helped light up this Winter from November 19, 2020 through to January 12, 2021 (Provincial State of Emergency Stay-at-Home order came in to effect on January 13, 2021 which wrapped up this Winter’s festival earlier than anticipated). We are already planning next Winter’s festival – come see Stratford in a different light!

LIGHTS ON STRATFORD
EXPERIENCE

MARKET SQUARE

Located at the heart of the City and this festival, Market Square will host a gallery of #MadeInStratford outdoor light art installations (launched Nov. 19). The historic City Hall will come alive with projections and unique light features (launched Dec. 17). And for early risers, watch the giant sun rise up City Hall to meet the dawn.

Projection Artist & Crew Credits
Sculpture Artist & Crew Credits

SHAKESPEAREAN GARDENS

In one of Stratford’s prettiest and most treasured gardens, prepare for an interactive light transformation. Filled with a field of tiny white lights, watch in delight as they follow your movement through the winter garden pathways with colour and sound. As you make your way to the old Dufton Woollen Mill chimney turned bird tower, your presence will be welcomed with a dazzling flash of colour.
Artist & Crew Credits

TOM PATTERSON THEATRE

The new Tom Patterson Theatre is an architectural jewel surrounded by an undulating glass and bronze curtain. The light that emanates from within has a story to tell. Projected on the lobby’s interior walls but visible from the grounds and river path will be a lighting experience that honours the Stratford Festival. Launched Nov. 26.
Artist & Crew Credits

TOM PATTERSON ISLAND

There’s something special about islands that draw people to them. And with beacons of dramatic light, Tom Patterson Island will be sure to attract even more. Launched Dec. 10.
Lighting Design Credits

STOREFRONT DISPLAYS

Stratford’s historic downtown with its amazing variety of unique shops and restaurants will be all the more remarkable this winter with coordinated light art displays that meander across multiple storefront windows. Launched Dec. 1.
Storefront Display Credits

FOLLOW THE SNOWFLAKE STARS

The Lights On Stratford experience is best enjoyed on foot. Simply follow the lighted snowflake stars on the light posts to discover the different locations throughout the City.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOTE: Due to the Provincial Stay-at-Home State of Emergency, the winter lights festival cannot remain open and has wrapped up earlier than anticipated.

Key Target Dates

ALL DISPLAY SITES ARE TUESDAY – SUNDAY FROM 6:00pm – 9:00pm

November 19 – Launch of Market Square light sculpture installations
November 26 – Launch of Tom Patterson Theatre light experience
December 1 – Launch of Storefront light displays
December 10 – Launch of Tom Patterson Island light installations
December 17 – City Hall Projections
POSTPONED – Launch of Shakespearean Gardens of a Thousand Lights**
January 12 – Final day. With the Provincial Stay-at-Home State of Emergency, the festival cannot remain open and is wrapping up earlier than anticipated.

**Shakespearean Gardens of a Thousand Lights is not an accessible site (stairs, steps and uneven paths), but the light display is also visible from TJ Dolan Drive and from the far side of Huron Street at the base of Ontario Street.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Lights On Stratford is committed to the health and safety of its workers, contracted personnel, volunteers, and patrons. Visit the Health & Safety page for important protocols in place.

HEALTH & SAFETY

CREDITS

Thank you to over 100 professionals involved in creating Lights On Stratford. This festival is truly a community effort.

SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS

This festival is not possible without Stratford’s amazing community support. THANK YOU! Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Visit the Become A Sponsor page for more details.

BECOME A SPONSOR - SEE THE LIGHT!