First Light
Celebrating 24 years of holiday magic
Now in its 24th year, Sainte-Marie’s First Light is an award-winning, must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family activities and live musical performances, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles.
This year, you’re visiting two candlelit attractions for the price of one: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine!
Start your holiday shopping at our extensive artisan market. Enjoy take-home crafts and activities for kids at both Sainte-Marie and the Martyrs’ Shrine. See historical demonstrations including blacksmithing and firestarting. Take part in Sunday night mass. Enjoy a delicious holiday meal, and much more!
There’s a reason this event is an annual tradition for many. Come and experience a little holiday magic!
Dates and times:
- November 21, 22, 23 and 24; November 28, 29, 30 and December 1; December 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2024
- 5:30 to 9 pm
Locations:
Your First Light experience includes two candlelit attractions: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine! You can park and purchase tickets at either location.
Event program at Sainte-Marie:
- Fireworks (Thursday nights only at 7pm)
- Live musical performances by:
- Ruth Sutherland, harpist (November 21 to December 1)
- Vince Therrien, guitar and song (December 5 to 8)
- Doug Feaver, folk music
- Chris Walser, hand drumming and stories
- Russ Clayton, children’s entertainer
- Community Choirs (Thursdays at 6pm & 7:15pm only)
- Neil Monague, hand drumming (Fridays only)
- Lefaive family, French-Canadian music (Saturdays only)
- And more!
- Community Choirs (Thursdays):
- November 21 at 6:00 pm:
- Little Treble Makers, Children’s Choir and VIVO
- November 21 at 7:15 pm:
- St. Theresa’s Catholic H.S.
- November 28 at 6:00 pm:
- Huronia Centennial E.S.
- November 28 at 7:15 pm:
- Tay Shores Public School
- December 5 at 6:00 pm:
- École publique Saint-Joseph
- November 21 at 6:00 pm:
- Demonstrations and activities include:
- Blacksmithing demonstrations
- Indigenous legends and stories in the longhouse
- Candlemaking demonstrations
- Tea samples
- Bookmark making activity
- Festive photo booths
- Enjoy a festive meal at Restaurant Sainte-Marie
- Shop at the Flint & Timber Boutique
- Extensive arts and crafts market (learn more below)
Event program at Martyrs’ Shrine:
- Take in a festive lights display at Canada’s Early Church
- Warm up and find your perfect Christmas gift at the Shrine gift store
- Join in on family-friendly activities and Christmas crafts
- Meet Santa!
- Listen to live music by Sadie Brabant each night from 6 to 7 p.m.
- Light a Christmas candle at the Shrine Votary
- Kick-off the season of Advent by celebrating Mass Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
- November 24: Live music by Sadie Brabant and Kenisha Alemao
- December 1: Live music by Chœurs de la Clé
- December 8: Live music by St. Theresa’s High School choir
Food and beverage options:
- Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be open to the public for this event offering a traditional cuisine three-course meal in the dining room and cheese and bourguignonne fondue in your own personal dome, under the stars. Make your reservation at: 705-321-2912
- On the patio: Burgers, hot dogs, soup, chili and S’mores
- You can purchase hot chocolate and fresh-made popcorn in advance, online or at admissions, for pickup in the candy shop on the historic site
Parking and shuttles:
- Parking is available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and at Martyrs’ Shrine.
- There are wheelchair accessible parking spots at Sainte-Marie, by the main entrance, but please note that they fill up quickly.
- Shuttles will travel between Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine each night.
- Shuttles from the Midland Wal-Mart (overflow parking) to Sainte-Marie will be available on Friday and Saturday nights only.
- We do not have reserved parking for choir members or tour groups.
- The 10-minute walking path between Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine will be open and lit each night.
Community group organizers:
Contact us for group rates and reservations at: reservationshhp@ontario.ca
Tickets:
Cost for admission to both Sainte-Marie and the Martyrs’ Shrine is $15 per person, tax included. No reservation required. Walk-ins welcome!
- Children 5 & under are free
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit people eligible for free entry with valid ID
- Season passes are valid for this event
- Members of the Canadian Armed forces get free admission with valid ID
- A person accompanying a paying guest with a disability is eligible for free admission
People who purchase online tickets, or who are eligible for free admission, can proceed to the express lane upon arrival.
We invite all participants to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Salvation Army. Food donations will be collected at the main entrance of Sainte-Marie.
Image gallery:
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Artisan and food market
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this fantastic holiday market featuring only hand-made items by local crafters.
More than 50 artisans, crafters, artists and food vendors.
Located throughout the Brébeuf Event Centre and the indoor museum.
Note that there is no ATM on site and some vendors only take cash.
List of vendors:
Apply to be a vendor at First Light 2024
Do you create one-of-a-kind products for sale? Would you like to be part of one of the best and most established vendor markets of the season? Apply to be an artisan or food vendor at First Light!
Thank you to our sponsors
Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
- Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time to proceed to the ticket office.
- Most of the vendors will not have the ability to accept credit or debit card payments and will only accept cash payments. There is no ATM on site.
- Sainte-Marie is wheelchair accessible, however pathways on the historic site are covered in woodchips or may be snow covered.
- There are several accessible parking spots near the main entrance of Sainte-Marie, but they fill quickly during this event. We recommend arriving early.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on the property.
- Please note this event takes place mostly outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather and terrain.
16164 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON, L4R 4K8
Parking Info
There is ample parking for visitors including those with RVs and buses. Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way to the admissions entrance. We also have bike racks available for cyclists coming from the Tay Trail.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. This community was abandoned and burned down in 1649.
After extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Located near Midland, on the Wye River, this world-renowned reconstruction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life through self-guided visits, group tours, interactive education programs, and special events. Complete your experience by exploring our interpretive museum and themed gift shop.
Our summer season begins in May
Love First Light? Experience Sainte-Marie among the Hurons during the daytime! Immerse yourself in the important story of cultural contact between the Wendat Nation and French Jesuit missionaries to Wendake. Connect with costumed interpreters and discover the sights, smells, and sounds of 17th century life.
Seasons passes now available
For just $35 (tax included), season pass holders gain unlimited admission to both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour, whenever the historic attractions are open!
Admission to most special events, like First Light and Pumpkinferno, is included.
Sweetwater Harvest Festival
Did you know we host events throughout the year? This March we’re co-hosting the Sweetwater Harvest Festival, a fundraiser for our neighbours the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. It’s the sweetest event of the year! Celebrate all things spring and maple syrup with a vendor market, kids activities, maple taffy, bannock, and more.
