Brantford Lights will return to Glenhyrst Art Gallery for the 13th year on Friday, December 5, 2025.
A family tradition for many, the Brantford Lights will illuminate the front lawn of the gallery with thousands of colourful bulbs in a variety of shapes and forms.
From Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer to red-and-white candy canes, presents, and hanging ornaments, there will be no shortage of spectacular sights.
The opening ceremonies and countdown to the official switch-on of the lights will begin at 7 p.m.
Once illuminated, residents will have the opportunity to walk through the grounds, enjoy the twinkling displays up close, or visit with Jolly Old St. Nicholas.
For those looking to warm up, Altitude Coffee Roasters will have their cart on site serving up free coffee and hot chocolate, and will return the following night.
In addition to the lights, the Vibrant Palette School Art Exhibition reception will also be happening inside the gallery, showcasing art pieces from both elementary and high school students around the city.
Also happening inside the gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. will be the Merry Little Market. Fifteen vendors will be there selling one-of-kind items including upcycled bowls and vases, woodwork, ornaments, watercolour art, organic personal care products, Indigenous beadwork, pottery and more.
While admission to the event is free, Glenhyrst volunteers will be gratefully accepting monetary donations to help support the gallery’s community endeavors, as well as food donations for the Salvation Army and Brantford Food Banks.
For those who can’t attend the opening night, the lights will run nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. until Thursday, January 1. The Vibrant Palette exhibit will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday December 9 and 16, as well as Friday December 12 and 19.
The Merry Little Market will also return on Friday, December 12 and 19 and run from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
