Festival of Lights

The 2025 Festival of Lights kicks off on Friday, Nov. 14 with a special launch night event! See the full details below.

The Festival of Lights is an annual tradition in the City of Belleville.

Typically beginning the Friday after Remembrance Day and running until the first Monday after New Years Day, Jane Forrester Park is filled with lighting displays new and older.

The Lighting Committee strives to add one new display each year thanks to the generosity of community donors. The Festival of Lights season is filled with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits and kicked off with a launch night event.

Festival of Lights Launch Night Event

Help us kick off the holiday season during the Festival of Light's Launch Event on Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.! Join us in Jane Forrester Park (30 South John St.) for live music, food vendors, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Belleville Senators mascot “Belly”, a spectacular drone light show (weather permitting) and more! 

Accessibility

There will be an An ASL interpreter for the opening ceremonies. An accessible portable toilet will be on site for the event.

Disclaimer

The City of Belleville is committed to hosting safe, welcoming, and inclusive events/meetings for all community members, volunteers and staff. As part of this commitment, we will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, and violence of any kind.

By attending this event, you agree to engage respectfully with others—event staff, volunteers, and community members alike. Any behavior that violates the City’s Harassment, Discrimination and Violence Policy may result in immediate removal from the event and further action as appropriate. We thank you for helping us create a space where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make appearances at the park each Friday starting Nov. 28 to Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. collecting letters and holidays wishes before the big day. 

History

From a senseless car accident tragedy on Christmas Eve in 1958, has come a testament to family love and the true spirit of Christmas. Originally developed as a tribute to their son Billy, Don and Rita Foster poured the grief over the loss of their son into building a Christmas display that would delight the young and young at heart. The car accident also took the life of Billy's friend Art "Sonny" Culloden and the Culloden family has generously donated to the refurbishment of this historic display in Sonny's memory.

Over the years, this "Foster Family" display has grown and evolved and as Mr. and Mrs. Foster aged, was lovingly assumed by Bruce and Marjorie Nickle. The display was maintained by them for 11 years on Marsh Drive. It then moved to the Tom Gavey Alemite Park under the care of the Belleville Professional Firefighters Association. The display now rests with the City of Belleville and has been skillfully restored in an effort to keep the history and spirit of the original display alive.

Learn more about the history of the Festival of Lights festival co-presented by The Hastings Country Historical Society and The Light Display & Gateway Signage Committee.

Sponsorship Levels

The Festival of Lights display relies on the generosity of donors to maintain this beloved community treasure. Funds raised go towards purchasing new displays. All donations, no matter the size, are greatly appreciated.

Donate to the Festival of Lights

All sizes of donations are welcome and will receive a charitable tax receipt from the City of Belleville.

Festival of Lights Donors

We are very grateful to all our donors for the 2024 season!