First Light
November 27 to December 14
Thursday through Sunday
Now in its 25th year, First Light is an award-winning, must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family activities, a huge artisan market, and multiple nightly live musical performances, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles. This year, guests to explore two attractions for the price of one: Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine!
Celebrating 25 years of holiday magic
The anniversary edition of First Light will feature 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, including a visit with Saint Nicholas
- See historical demonstrations including blacksmithing and candlemaking
- Explore a unique activity each night, including fireworks on Thursdays, and the opportunity to join a candlelight choir on Fridays
On site
Wander through candlelit paths 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!
Dining
Enjoy a holiday buffet 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.
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.
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.
If your entire party is eligible for free admission (ex. Indigenous guests, season pass holders, guests with Restaurant Sainte-Marie dinner reservations) and you would like to book the Behind-the-scenes Experience or the Candlelight Choir, email us at reservationshhp@ontario.ca for assistance.
Image gallery:
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
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.
First Light Behind-the-scenes Experience
Access First Light before doors officially open!
From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. help light the lanterns that transform Sainte-Marie into a candlelit winter wonderland. Then settle into a cozy longhouse to sip warm spiced apple cider while listening to First Nations stories.
After that, enjoy the magic of First Light! The event officially opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
Thursdays: Book on Behind the Scenes on Thursday night to enjoy a breathtaking fireworks display at 7 p.m. and receive complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate!
Free admissions: If your entire party is eligible for free admission (ex. Indigenous guests, season pass holders, guests with Restaurant Sainte-Marie dinner reservations) and you would like to book the Behind-the-scenes Experience or the Candlelight Choir, email us at reservationshhp@ontario.ca for assistance.
Book a special dinner: To elevate your experience even further, contact Restaurant Sainte-Marie to book a three-course meal under the stars or a holiday buffet at Restaurant Sainte-Marie. We recommend the 6:15 p.m. seating.
Free parking: Every night
Limited spots available at Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine
- 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.
Free Walmart shuttle: Select nights only
Travelling between Walmart and Sainte-Marie Fridays and Saturdays (plus the final Sunday)
- Walmart shuttle dates are:
- Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29
- Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6
- Friday, December 12, Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14
- Buses are not wheelchair accessible.
- Shuttles begin at 5:30 p.m. and can take up to 30 minutes to complete a loop.
- 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.
On-site programming
- Live musical performances by:
- Ruth Sutherland, Celtic harp
- Doug Feaver, folk music
- Chris Walser, hand drumming and stories
- Russ Clayton, children’s songs and singalongs
- Special guests:
- Thursdays: Rick Robitaille, old folk and soulful country
- Fridays and Saturdays: Vince Therrien, holiday classics
- Saturdays: Ariko, French-Canadian trad
- Sundays: Karla Crawford, pop and country
- Demonstrations and activities include:
- Blacksmithing demonstrations
- Indigenous legends and stories
- Thursdays and Sundays: Sainte-Marie’s historical interpreters
- Fridays: Troy Monague of Beausoleil First Nation
- Saturdays: Del Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation
- Candlemaking demonstrations
- Maple syrup tasting experience offered by Coldwater Maple Company
- Herbal tea and maple shortbread tastings
- Festive holiday decor, perfect for photo ops!
Special features each First Light evening
Thursdays: Watch fireworks
Stunning displays at 7 p.m.
Visible from any outdoor vantage at Sainte-Marie, these 7 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.
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 to 6:30 p.m. you’ll learn “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” from Scrooged in 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 required.
Please note: If your entire party is eligible for free admission (ex. Indigenous guests, season pass holders, guests with Restaurant Sainte-Marie dinner reservations) and you would like to book the Candlelight Choir, email us at reservationshhp@ontario.ca for assistance.
Saturdays: Listen to live music by Ariko Trio
French-Canadian tunes
Catch this sensational band with a repertoire rooted in traditional French-Canadian music.
The party ignites when Ariko takes the stage! Homegrown in Lafontaine, Ontario, this family band features the rich vocal harmonies and dynamic fiddle stylings of the Lefaive sisters.
Their unique arrangements of traditional songs, original compositions, and fiddle tunes are guaranteed to keep your toes tapping.
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.
Thursdays: Listen to local Choirs
Take in festive sounds in Theatre A
November 27:
- 6:00 p.m.: Huronia Centennial E.S.
- 7:15 p.m.: Sing It Simcoe County
- 8:00 p.m.: St. Theresa’s C.H.S.
December 4:
- 6:00 p.m.: Bay Sound Little Treble Makers, Youths & Children Choirs
- 7:15 p.m.: Bravado Show Choir
- 8:00 p.m.: Saint Michael the Archangel C.E.S.
December 4:
- 6:00 p.m.: Tay Shores P.S.
- 7:15 p.m.: Unity United Church
- 8:00 p.m.: Le Choeur de La Clé
Select dates: Meet birds of prey
Connect with the team from Wye Marsh
Meet a feathered member of the Wye Marsh flock.
The team at Wye Marsh will introduce guests to Scarlet, the red-tailed hawk, and educate everyone about local conservation efforts.
Birds of prey dates:
- Friday, November 28
- Friday, December 5
- Saturday, December 13
Guests can also connect with the Wye Marsh team without their feathered friends on November 27, December 4 and December 12.
Sundays: Listen to Karla Crawford
Tune in at Sainte-Marie
Join this celebrated singer songwriter in a cozy performance on the historic site. Karla has shared stages with country legends including Vince Gill and Brad Paisley.
Based in Ontario, Karla regularly performs at venues like the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, often alongside Glenn Bladon. Their duo is known for rich harmonies and a mix of original songs and legendary covers. Whether on stage or streaming platforms, Karla’s warm vocals and authentic style continue to resonate with fans of all ages.
Dining options
From takeout to prix fixe, there are plenty of delicious on-site snack and meal options:
- Takeout on the patio: Pick up tacos, burgers, turkey dinner poutine and more
- Holiday buffet at Restaurant Sainte-Marie: Choose from a wide range of dishes from turkey and mashed potatoes to fries and chicken fingers
- Dinner under the stars: Elevate your First Light experience by booking a prix fixe meal in your very own dining crystal or dome
Reservations for the buffet and dinner under the stars are required, with no walk-in seating available.
If you are booking dinner but would also like to book the Behind-the-scenes Experience or the Candlelight Choir, email us at reservationshhp@ontario.ca.
You also can purchase hot chocolate and fresh-made popcorn either in advance or on the historic site.
Experience First Light at Martyrs’ Shrine
- Holiday glow: Wander through a stunning display of seasonal lights.
- Santa and holiday craft: Bring the family and enjoy a visit with Saint-Nicholas—perfect for young guests and the young at heart. Complete your visit with a fun holiday craft!
- Live music in the church: Enjoy musical performances inside the gorgeous Martyrs’ Shrine church, all decorated for Christmas. On Saturdays and Sundays, listen to the a capella choir Shrine Schola.
- 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.
Thank you to our 2025 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.
