Lights On Stratford

And… that’s a wrap. Another successful Lights On Stratford is in the books. A huge thank you to all of our amazing sponsors, funders, artists and partners. To the dedicated Lights On Stratford staff who worked tirelessly to keep the lights on, you are amazing. To our General Manager, Kaileigh Krysztofiak, you are a rockstar. And the biggest of thank yous to everyone near and far who visited our festival this winter – it’s your joy, smiles and laughter that powers Lights On Stratford.

"Rekindle the fire in your spirit."

- Lailah Gifty Akita

VISIT THE LIGHTS ON STRATFORD INTERACTIVE MAP!

TIAO Ontario Tourism Resiliency Award 2021 & 2022 for Innovation

Free to the public, Lights On Stratford will light up this winter starting December 16th, 2022 through to January 29th, 2023, 5:00pm-10:00pm nightly.

First launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the award-winning Lights On Stratford annual winter festival, brought to you by Destination Stratford, will once again transform Stratford’s heritage downtown core and park system with luminous art and interactive light installations. NEW: Free hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus (see our interactive map for locations)! NEW: Join us on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th for STRATFORD’S ON where businesses across the city are staying open late to truly celebrate the closing weekend of Lights On Stratford.

The Lights On Stratford 2022/23 theme is REKINDLE – “relight (a fire) or revive (something that has been lost).” The importance of rekindling a sense of joy, wonder and community has never been greater.

The Pool by artist Jen Lewin. Photo: Alex Koch

Market Square will be brought to life with internationally renowned artist Jen Lewin’s THE POOL – a giant field of concentric circles that swirl with light when activated by touch. Inspired by Australian tidal pools, Lewin developed mesh-network technology and code to bring this experience around the world. Visitors can activate any of the 100 large circular pads that respond to walking, dancing, jumping, or playing — encouraging participation in an ever-changing composition.

Tom Patterson Island will be aglow with the Canadian Premiere of AFFINITY – an interactive light sculpture that depicts the dazzling complexity and connectivity of the human brain and our relationship with our memories.

Simone Chua, the director of Australian-based company Amigo & Amigo, launched Affinity several years ago and has since toured it internationally. “We are very excited to debut the artwork Affinity in Canada at Lights On Stratford. This is a multisensory interactive artwork that raises awareness about Alzheimer’s, we hope that people not only enjoy interacting with the work but also engage with this important social issue. Affinity is inspired by the human brain and the network of our memories, when people touch the bottom globes [neurons] the lights will illuminate around their hand sending colourful light throughout the network. The more people that interact with Affinity the brighter and more colourful it becomes.”

The artwork is 11 feet tall and over 45 feet in diameter, and contains an astounding 4,200 meters of RGB LED striplights, 19 Arduino Boards, 114 Input sensors with 48 connecting arms to 79 PE Spheres, 100 hours of programming and 70 different colour combinations.

The Festival also features Made-in-Stratford light displays along the Light Trail connecting Market Square to Tom Patterson Island, including LightWall, a new interactive experience on the west façade of 70 Ontario Street that is comprised of a series of 25’ tall LED pixel banners that project out from the heritage building with a stunning display of colour and movement, but also incorporates the ability for people to speak into nearby microphones that impact the light display in real-time.

And good news for all those that were unable to take in the Tom Patterson Theatre display from the inaugural 2020 Lights On Stratford, when the pandemic caused it to be closed early due to the Provincial stay-at-home travel restrictions.

“The Stratford Festival is excited to support year-round tourism for Stratford. Our beautiful new Tom Patterson Theatre sits like a jewel on the waterfront, and leveraging it to bring light and joy to the visitors of Lights on Stratford as well as our local neighbours is an opportunity we treasure.”
– Anita Gaffney, Executive Director of the Stratford Festival

As in previous years, storefronts and locations throughout the City will be lit up with unique light displays and experiences.

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, crafting a truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Come see Stratford in a different light!

2022/23 LIGHTS ON STRATFORD
EXPERIENCE

Check out the interactive map below for more details on the Lights On Stratford experience. More announcements coming soon!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The 3rd annual Lights On Stratford launches on December 16th, 2022 through to January 29th, 2023. Free to the public. 5:00pm-10:00pm nightly including Christmas and New Years.

Stratford is a renowned cultural destination, including in the winter! While enjoying our lights, be sure to also check out some of this winter’s incredible events and experiences:

2022/23 WINTER EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

Stratford Chocolate Trail | It’s a good thing that exploring the Stratford Chocolate Trail Burns Calories!
Stratford Bacon & Ale Trail | The Bacon & Ale Trail is a well-rounded meal if you count barley as a vegetable
Stratford Self-Guided Audio Tours | Over 236 stops across 10 themed tours
Stratford Perth Museum | SPECIAL LIGHTS ON STRATFORD PROGRAMMING. Also be sure to check out the Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom and Anne Frank: A History for Today exhibits!
Gallery Stratford | One of Ontario’s longest-running public art galleries!
World in a Weekend …in Winter | Jan 13-14 – a joyous celebration of puppetry, dance and music! A partnership of Stratford Summer Music and Springworks!
For a complete list of events, see visitstratford.ca/calendar

2022/23 ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES & PROMOTIONS

Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel

Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel is offering incredible Lights on Stratford Romance, Family and Staycation Packages.

BOOK NOW

Bentley's Lofts@99

Enjoy a Night of Modern Luxury in the Heart of Downtown Stratford

Stay Downtown at our Lofts@99 during Lights On Stratford and SAVE!

Dec 16^th – Jan 27^th$129/per 2 person occupancy

Note: $29 for each additional guest
*excludes New Year’s Eve

Treat yourself to one of our luxurious bi-level loft suites. Pamper yourself in our ensuite, modern, bath facilities. Relax in a famous tempurpedic mattress with high-end linens or resting this winter beside your in-room fireplace. Decorated throughout with fine art decor, plasma flat screen T.V, state of the art radio sound systems, and free wireless internet, these overnight accommodations in Stratford will be a night you won’t forget.

Please call #(519) 271-1121 to book your Accommodations and mention this Lights On Stratford Special Rate.

BOOK NOW

Birmingham Manor B&B

“Lights On” Romantic Getaway

Join us for a one of kind package: start your adventure with an early check-in and settle into one of our plush rooms. Fuel up with a delicious “Chocolate snack board” full of home baked treats and accompanied by an “Italian Hot Chocolate”. By this time the installations will be ready to be enjoyed! Spend a night, or two, at Birmingham Manor, one of the most sought after B&Bs in Stratford where you will be indulged. Next morning you will be served our gourmet breakfast to start the day.

Your “Lights On” Romantic Getaway package includes:

One night accommodation for two at Birmingham Manor B&B
Chocolate Snack Board
Italian Hot Chocolate or your choice of coffee, tea or Chai Latte
A gift bag of our delicious home baked biscotti
Delicious three course breakfast for two
Two “Mendiants” made with high quality chocolate, fruit, nuts and seeds

$170/PERSON/1 NIGHT

BOOK NOW

Mercer Hotel

LIGHTS ON
$289 plus tax PER NIGHT/ 2 GUESTS

Package includes:
ONE NIGHT STAY IN A KING GUEST ROOM
TWO MERCER BRANDED TRAVEL MUGS
STAY WARM IN TWO MERCER TOQUES
GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE WITH A BOOZY TOP UP
$50 MERCER KITCHEN VOUCHER

Call direct to reserve your package today!
MERCER HOTEL DOWNTOWN
BEST WESTERN PREMIER COLLECTION
104 ONTARIO ST, STRATFORD ON
519-271-1888

BOOK NOW

The Parlour Inn

Let us be your home base while you take in Stratford this winter. The award-winning annual Lights On Festival will once again transform Stratford’s heritage downtown core and park system with luminous art and interactive light installations.

Along with cozy overnight accommodations with a waiting welcome treat, you’ll also enjoy a $50 food credit to use in The Parlour Restaurant. From 4-6 pm daily, enjoy the hot beverage station in the Lobby, featuring warm apple cider or hot chocolate that guests can take with them while they walk downtown to enjoy the Light Display.

Guest rooms starting from $179 Sunday – Friday, $199 Saturday
Book online only with promo code LLIGHT.

Terms and Conditions:
Plus taxes, tourism fee, and gratuities. Price above is a starting from price per room based on double occupancy. Offer is capacity controlled and is subject to room and rate plan availability. Blackout dates may be added without notice as reservations are made. Not applicable to group bookings. Other restrictions may apply.

BOOK NOW

2022/23 RESTAURANT/RETAIL/SPA PROMOTIONS

Pazzo Pizzeria / Cafe Bouffon

Lights On Stratford Specials:

Café Bouffon: Nightly $49 3 course dinner Prix Fixe, changes weekly.

Café Bouffon & Pazzo Pizzeria: Wine Wednesdays half price on all bottles

Café Bouffon hours:
Wednesday-Thursday 11:30-8pm
Friday 11:30-9pm
Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 10am-8pm

Weekend Brunch Saturday and Sundays!

Pazzo Pizzeria: Friday $7 pints $7 pizza.

Pazzo Pizzeria: Sunday Funday. Kids eat free. Buy one classic pizza and get a kids pepperoni or cheese pizza. Take-out or Dine-in.

Pazzo Pizzeria Hours: 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday)
70 Ontario St.

MORE INFO

Alley Cat Cafe

$1 hot chocolates, any size!
1 Market Place

Regular Hours
1 hour bookings online available
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11-5
Friday and Saturday 10-6

MORE INFO

El Cactus Taco Shop

Lights On Margaritas!
Grab one of our margaritas bundles to go for $40. This bundle is a perfect opportunity to try four of our signature flavours: Coconut Lime / Passionfruit / Blackberry Elderflower / Classic.
2 Ontario St.

MORE INFO

The Common

The Lit Up Hot Cocoa: A yummy hot cocoa with ancho, Chantilly and Mezcal.
80 Wellington Street

KITCHEN
DINNER ~ THU -SAT 5:00 – 9:00 SUNDAY 5:00- 8:00

BAR OPEN UNTIL IT’S EMPTY

MORE INFO

The Livery Yard

THE GLOW UP

Toasted marshmallow white hot chocolate with house made toasted marshmallows!
104 Downie St.

MORE INFO

Madelyn's Diner

“LIGHTS ON GRILLED PORK FOCACCIA”
Grilled Herb Focaccia with pea meal, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.
Served with your choice of side and soup or juice.

Offered Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 2pm
377 Huron Street

MORE INFO

Sirkel Foods

TAKE-OUT ONLY
Enjoy our “Lights On-wich” which is a delicious light sandwich with red peppers, pickles, tomatoes, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, cheddar, and mango mayo.
40 Wellington Street
Mon–Fri Open 8am–3pm

MORE INFO

Whether you’re coming from Toronto or further afield, here’s how to get to Stratford and around town.

NEW: GO Transit Stratford connection! Check out the schedule and purchase your passes directly online.

The Culture Cab is back this winter for Lights On Stratford with free taxi service to/from the train station, as well as between 5pm – 10pm to/from Stratford Perth Museum, as well as all of the main Light Displays. Visit CultureCab.ca for more details!

Also new this year is the partnership with Stratford City Transit with a FREE hop-on-hop-off Lights On Stratford shuttle bus, connecting the Bus Terminal and the main light display locations (see our interactive map for details). The shuttle bus runs all week and loops every 30 minutes starting at 5:30pm until 9:00pm.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

GETTING HERE

By Car

Approximate Driving Times to Stratford:

Toronto: 2 Hours (Route Options)
Ottawa: 6 Hours (Route Options)
Detroit: 3 Hours (Route Options)
Buffalo: 3 Hours (Route Options)
Chicago: 8 Hours (Route Options)

U.S. Visitors to Stratford should also allow extra time for delays at border crossings. For requirements, including vaccination requirements, and wait times, visit Canada Border Services online. Please see our U.S. Visitor FAQ page for further information.

By Rail

GO Transit | 1.888.438.6646
PC Connect intercommunity bus service (Perth County, Stratford, St. Marys, Kitchener/Waterloo and London) | 1.888.465.0783
VIA Rail | 1.888.842.7245
U.S.A. Rail, Amtrak | 1.800.USA.RAIL (Connect in Toronto for Via Rail to Stratford)

By Air

Stratford Municipal Airport
Region of Waterloo International Airport | 1.866.648.2256
Toronto Pearson International Airport | 1.866.603.4495
London International Airport | 519.452.4015

Lights on Stratford works in partnership with a charitable organization each year to provide fundraising potential and increase awareness. This winter, we are proud to support Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. Please consider donating at the tap-to-pay stations located at the various light displays.

Were you not able to attend the 2020 or 2021 winter festivals? Here are some highlight videos:

2021 HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS

2020 HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS

BECOME A 2022 SPONSOR - SEE THE LIGHT!

SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS

This festival is not possible without Stratford’s amazing community support. THANK YOU! Interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2022 3rd annual festival? Visit the Become A Sponsor page for more details.