Goderich Festival of Lights 2026

Visit as Goderich comes alive with the magic of the season. We start the celebration with a candlelight tribute to those who can no longer join us for the holidays. Then, the town gathers in Courthouse Square for festive music and free hot chocolate as the Mayor leads the countdown to the lighting of the lights. With the flip of a switch the trees in the park begin to twinkle and glow and beautiful light displays come to life all around you. Then the main event starts as families line the streets around the Square to watch the ever-popular Santa Claus Parade. You won’t want to miss how heartwarming Goderich can be at the holidays!

In 1992, Rose and Tom Heinbuch, brought the idea of an Angel Tree to Goderich. They had lost a daughter at birth and wanted to commemorate her death, and those of other children, in a meaningful way. Other families who shared their experience soon joined in and a permanent tree and plaque were installed at Harbour Park.

Now, each year a Candlelight Ceremony and Tree Lighting is held on the night before the Goderich Santa Claus parade. This quiet remembrance in Lions Harbour Park helps us to take a moment in a very busy season to pause and reflect on those unable to be with us this time of year. Join volunteers as they light the Angel, MADD, and Alzheimer’s Trees, followed by light refreshments in the pavilion.

The 2026 Candlelight Ceremony and Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 20, at 7PM. More information, including a full list of names to be honoured in 2026 will be posted closer to the event date..

Lighting of the Lights

Thousands of residents and visitors gather in Courthouse Square to kick off the holiday season in style. The Lighting of the Lights events include free live entertainment by John and Melinda Powers starting at 6:30PM, and hot chocolate to get people in the festive mood. Hot chocolate is served on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last at the South Street Plaza. Then at dusk everyone counts down to the moment the mayor illuminates Courthouse Square and transforms Goderich’s downtown into a magical, glowing winter wonderland. These beautiful displays are lit in the evenings throughout the holiday season and remain on into the new year.

The 2026 Lighting of the Lights will kick off at 7PM on Saturday, November 21 in Goderich’s Downtown.

Santa Claus Parade

The Goderich Santa Claus Parade is one of the largest in Huron County and is one of our most anticipated events of the year! With close to 100 entries including elaborately decorated floats, live animals, emergency vehicles, and delightful musicians and dancers, you are sure to be entertained. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause always make an appearance at the end!

The 2026 Goderich Santa Claus parade will be on November 21 this year! It will take place around the Courthouse Square at 7:15PM, immediately following the lighting of the lights.

Tour of Lights

Each year, Goderich Tourism puts together a map of holiday light displays around town so others can take their own “self-guided tour” to explore all the wonderful seasonal sights. From our own municipal parks which are decorated for the season, to individual homes and businesses, to outdoor displays created by service and non-profit groups, this event helps to bring residents together and brighten the winter season.

Specific details for our 2026 tour of Lights are coming soon!

Check with their Website for the updates!

Website: https://www.exploregoderich.ca/what-s-happening/festival-of-lights/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/goderichtourism
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/goderichtourism/