Festival of Lights

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.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make appearances at the display every Friday night until to Dec. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., collecting letters and Christmas 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 Opportunities

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

Sponsorship Levels

Those interested in donating to a specific display or the event as a whole can now do so online:

Donate to the Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights Donors

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