Alight at Night returns to Upper Canada Village

November 23, 2020

A favourite magical winter event in eastern Ontario returns for the 2020 season at Upper Canada Village. Every winter, this historic site transforms into Alight at Night, an enchanted winter wonderland lit with over a million lights. This year, Alight at Night is getting ready to captivate guests once again.

It officially opens on Friday, November 27th and will operate on select nights until January 2, 2021.

While the holiday season will undoubtedly look different this year, Upper Canada Village is continuing its annual tradition with the assistance of public health to ensure safety is a priority. Alight at Night tickets will be pre-booked and time-specific so that guests can enjoy what feels like a more private experience while maintaining physical distancing protocols.

“Our team is overjoyed that a visit to Alight at Night can continue this year as part of so many families holiday traditions,” said Upper Canada Village Manager Tracey Ogilby. “As over a million lights will transform the landscape of the Village, we look forward to welcoming back guests and local residents again this winter season.”

New this year!

Our Victorian Saint Nick will be in his winter workshop preparing for Christmas as he greets guests and hears their holiday wishes from afar; a great photo opportunity for the whole family. To continue the holiday spirit, guests will also get to see Santa in his relaxed mode from December 26th onwards – a sight not to be missed as even his holiday travel plans have been postponed.

Returning activities

As one of Ontario’s largest outdoor light festival that is usually full of excitement, cheer, and classic family fun, this year brings changes to Alight at Night as some activities have been paused. These include the life-size toy train rides, visits to the bakery, horse-drawn wagon rides, and old-fashioned carol singing at Christ Church. In their place, several returning and new activities will be featured including the popular Sound and Light Show at Crysler Hall, enhanced visual storytelling illuminations displayed at the Village Cheese Factory and at Christ Church along with holiday tunes.

Hours of Operation

November 27 – January 2 from 5pm-9pm
November 27 – December 13 from 5pm-9pm. Open Thursdays to Sundays.
December 17 – January 2 from 5pm-9pm. Open 7 nights a week.
Closed December 24 and 25

Pricing

General Admission: $14 per person plus HST
Children: Aged 4 and under are free

Tickets go on sale in a staggered approach starting November 23rd and will be available exclusively online at www.AlightatNight.ca.

Tickets are date and time-specific to ensure nightly attendance is kept at safe levels. A limited number of tickets will be available each night. We ask guests to please visit our social media pages for the next ticket release date.

Accessibility nights

Accessibility Nights will be back this year and is the only exception to online purchases. Guests or groups with physical limitations can ride in the comfort of their own vehicles to view Alight at Night on December 9th and 16th. Reservations must be made ahead, by calling 1-800-437-2233 or locally at 613-543-4328.

Private carriage ride

You won’t find a more romantic holiday setting than Alight at Night. Plan a private tour in the comfort of one of the Village’s Pommier Carriages. Rides include admission for two, half-hour tour through the Village streets and gourmet departing gift. Cost is $95 (plus HST and fees) per couple. Limited availability and reservations must be made by calling 1-800-437-2233 or locally at 613-543-4328.

Holiday shopping

If you’re still looking for that perfect holiday gift, head on over to the Village Store as it’s filled with beautiful present-worthy items.

Festive treat

End your evening stroll at Alight at Night with a festive sweet treat from BeaverTails. Irresistibly delicious, artisanal Canadian pastry, always there to share special moments that make lifelong memories.

Make a night of it!

Visiting Alight at Night from out of town? Make a night of it with a stay in Cornwall following your experience at the Village!

From cozy bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels, Cornwall has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit everyone.

Check out our Stay section for more ideas!

What guests need to know

– Tickets will be available online only at www.AlightatNight.ca.
– If the website indicates SOLD OUT for a specific evening, there are no more tickets available for that evening.
– Multiple entry time slots are being offered in half-hour increments.
– Plan to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your check-in time.
– Upon arrival, guests should have tickets ready prior to reaching the admission gate to ensure smooth entry.
– Face coverings or masks are mandatory upon arrival at admissions and in indoor spaces and guests are will be required to bring their own.
– All guests must follow physical distancing rules, remaining at least two (2) metres apart from other visitors at all times. Staff will monitor and remind guests as necessary.
– Please visit the website and social media for updates.
– Programming has been modified as much as possible to provide a no-touch, non-contact experience. Where this is unavoidable, hand washing, or sanitizing stations are available.
– Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices are in place throughout the tour route.
– Guests will be required to self-assess their health and should not visit Alight at Night if they feel unwell.

Upper Canada Village is located at 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, Ontario

About St. Lawrence Parks Commission

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Skywood Eco Adventure, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 14 campgrounds and beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and 1000 Islands Parkway.

Play it safe!

We all have a part to play in combating the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to wear masks in indoor public spaces and practice frequent hand washing and physical distancing. For the latest guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit website.

#exploreCornwallON

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!