First Light
November 26 to December 13
The candles are out but we’re still feeling the glow! We appreciate you all for coming to celebrate 25 years of candlelit holiday magic. Thanks to the many partners, performers, staff, bus drivers who help to bring this event to life, with an extra note of gratitude to our sponsors.
Illuminating history
Wander through the candlelit paths of this 17th-century community and discover a historical winter wonderland like no other. Take in live musical performances, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, listen to stories in the longhouse, and so much more.
Each night of the week includes a special activity or feature!
Unique dining experiences
Enjoy a holiday meal inside Restaurant Sainte-Marie’s cozy dining room, get takeout on the patio, or elevate your dining experience by booking your own personal snow globe on the grounds of historic Sainte-Marie.
Plus, get snacks and hot chocolate right on the historic site.
Local artisan market
Get started on your holiday shopping! Explore one of the region’s most extensive and impressive holiday artisan markets with more than 50 local vendors selling only handmade goods, from socks to soaps and sweet treats.
Warm up as you explore booths in our indoor museum and Brebeuf Centre.
Experience holiday magic
Enjoy all the classic elements of this beloved event… plus a few fun new twists!
- Wander through candlelit paths and historic buildings at Sainte-Marie, and explore the illuminated grounds and church at Martyrs’ Shrine
- Watch live music, Celtic harp, hand-drumming, and choral performances
- Start your holiday shopping at artisan markets, with 50+ local vendors
- Enjoy activities for kids at both attractions
- See historical demonstrations including blacksmithing and candlemaking
- Explore a unique activity each night, including fireworks and the opportunity to join a candlelight choir on Friday nights
Tickets
Cost for admission to both Sainte-Marie and the Martyrs’ Shrine is $15 per person, tax included. 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.
Image gallery:
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Experience First Light at Martyrs’ Shrine
- Holiday glow: Wander through a stunning display of seasonal lights.
- Step into the church: Enjoy the gorgeous Martyrs’ Shrine church, all decorated for Christmas.
- Light a candle: Pause for reflection and light a special candle in the votary—a simple yet meaningful gesture of hope, remembrance, or prayer.
- Browse the gift shop: Warm up and browse a thoughtful selection of gifts, keepsakes, and seasonal items in the gift shop—ideal for holiday giving.
- Shop vendors: Shop local vendors downstairs in the Martyrs’ Shrine church.
- Mass on Sundays: Attend Sunday evening Mass with live choral music at 7:30 p.m. during First Light and mark the beginning of the Advent season in community.
Community group organizers
If you’re purchasing tickets on behalf of an organization or non-profit group, contact us for group rates at: reservationshhp@ontario.ca.
Food donations
We invite all guests to help fill the Salvation Army‘s local food bank by donating non-perishable foods, or making a donation through their kettle campaign. A big canoe will be at the main entrance, where you can leave your kind contributions.
On-site programming
Daily live musical performances by:
- Ruth Sutherland, Celtic harp
- Doug Feaver, folk music
- Emma Reynolds, singer songwriter
- Chris Walser, hand drumming and stories
- Russ Clayton, children’s songs and singalongs
Weekly presentations:
- Thursday nights: Take in joyful performances by local community and school choirs
- Saturday nights: Ariko, traditional-style French-Canadian tunes
Demonstrations and activities at Sainte-Marie include:
- Blacksmithing demonstrations
- Indigenous legends and stories
- Candlemaking demonstrations
- Maple syrup tasting experience offered by Coldwater Maple Company
- Herbal tea tastings
Special features each First Light evening
Fridays: Fireworks
Stunning displays at 7:15 p.m.
Visible from any outdoor vantage at Sainte-Marie, these 7:15 p.m. fireworks bring true magic to your First Light experience.
As you wander through historical paths and buildings, the night sky lights up above you.
*Fireworks weather permitting
Many thanks to lead sponsors Tay Township and NT Power for making this breathtaking display possible.
Fridays: Join a candlelit choir
Led by Choir revolution
Add an extra spark of joy to your visit by joining a one-night candlelight choir led by Choir Revolution! No singing experience or skill needed, just bring your voice and your spirit.
From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. you’ll learn the parts to holidays tunes our indoor theatre. At 6:45 p.m. you’ll perform on the historic site, with each chorister holding a candle, before you enjoy the rest of the event.
Cost is an additional $15 per person (tax included). Registration is highly recommended.
Sundays: Attend Mass at Martyrs’ Shrine
Celebrate Advent at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of advent by taking part in a special Mass inside the beautiful church at Martyrs’ Shrine.
No registration is required, though space is limited.
Included with your First Light admission.
Free parking: Every night
Limited spots available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
- Wheelchair accessible parking spots at Sainte-Marie are by the main entrance, but please note that they fill up quickly.
- We do not have reserved parking for choir members, tour groups, or dinner reservations.
- Allocate at least 15 minutes for parking, especially on Saturday nights.
Free inter-site shuttle: Every night
Travelling between Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine
- Shuttle pickup and drop off locations are at the edges of main parking lots (look for lit signage).
- Buses are not wheelchair accessible.
- Shuttles begin at 5:30 p.m. each night and depart either location every 30 minutes.
- Shuttles will continue until the last guest has reached their vehicle.
Walking between the two attractions: The 10-minute walking path between Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine will be open and lit each night, with signage to lead the way. Note that while we salt and clear this walkway each and every night, the path can be slippery. Please take your time and exercise caution.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
Thanks to our 2025 in-kind sponsors
Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
- Please allocate 15-30 minutes for parking and admissions. Parking at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is not guaranteed.
- 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.
