River Lights Winter Festival: November 15 - January 4
Every night from November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026, hundreds of customized LED light displays light up the town’s two main parks, King's Navy Yard Park (242 Dalhousie Street) and Toddy Jones Park (50 North Street).
King’s Navy Yard Park, along the Detroit River, features traditional displays that showcase the warm hearted feel of the season with carolers, angels, soldiers and more. Toddy Jones Park features whimsical, playful displays for the kids and the kid at heart to enjoy.
River Lights Opening Night: Saturday, November 15
Opening Night is a great opportunity to see dazzling light displays, festive music, and interactive activities, creating a magical experience for families to kick off the holiday season!
The Opening Night evening begins with the Super Santa 5K run/walk/wheel, continuing into the traditional tree lighting ceremony, carolers, hot chocolate & cookies, fireworks and more! Join us for the magical event on Saturday, November 15th in downtown Amherstburg.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 5:00pm: Super Santa Run/Walk/Wheel – cheer on the racers downtown
- 5:30pm: Walker Gingerbread Warming House opens in Toddy Jones Park
- 5:30pm: Hot chocolate and cookies at the Clock Tower from Seasons Amherstburg (while supplies last)
- 6:00pm: Tree lighting ceremony at the Clock Tower (242 Dalhousie Street)
- 6:20pm: Fireworks over the river – watch from King’s Navy Yard Park
- 6:45pm: Sisters of Choice perform holiday tunes behind the Commissariat
Thank you to Enbridge for sponsoring River Lights Winter Festival's Opening Night again this season.
Park House Museum. Opening Night Hours: 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Join Park House Museum (214 Dalhousie Street) for Opening Night as they offer fresh mulled cider prepared on the historic hearth, along with fresh popcorn! Admission is by donation and the gift shop will be open. Stop by during your view of the lights, grab a warm treat and experience a piece of Amherstburg’s history!
Provincial Marine of Amherstburg at The Commissariat. Opening Night Hours: 6:45pm – 7:55pm. Storyteller, Seamus Gunn, will enchant guests with a magical Yuletide tale that’s more than 400 years old! Performances will take place at 6:45 p.m., 7:20 p.m., and 7:55 p.m. sharp at The Commissariat (224 Dalhousie Street). Seating is limited – arrive early! Weather permitting, members of the Provincial Marine will also gather by a cozy fire on the river side of the building.
Walker Gingerbread Warming House: Weekends from November 15 to December 21
Come in from the cold and experience the magic at our Gingerbread Warming House, located in Toddy Jones Park (50 North Street), sponsored by Walker Aggregates.
On weekend nights from 5:30pm-8:30pm from November 15th to December 21st, the festive holiday atmosphere of the Walker Gingerbread Warming House will be waiting for you.
Inside, our holiday elves will be inside working on crafts, working diligently on our gingerbread houses and the Bryerswood Youth Camp team will be serving hot chocolate (courtesy of Tim Hortons)! The gingerbread house contest submissions will also be displayed inside for you to look at and enjoy.
On Sundays, special holiday story times at 6:00pm with Santa will enchant young listeners and bring tales of winter to life.
So come in, warm up, sip a sweet treat, and take in the magic of River Lights at the Warming House this holiday season! All donations made at the Gingerbread Warming House support Bryerswood Youth Camp.
Thank you to Walker Aggregates for supporting the Gingerbread Warming House this season!
Santa Shout Out: Friday, December 12
Ho Ho Ho, Santa is coming to downtown Amherstburg!
Don’t miss our Santa Shout Out December 12th from 6pm until 8pm next to the Gordon House at 266 Dalhousie Street. Santa will be in the snow globe to talk to all the kids about their Christmas wish. Secret elves will be wearing headlamp toques and will collect the necessary info from parents. No registration required.
Come listen to holiday music, walk the river lights and spread holiday cheer.
See the magic come alive in your children’s eyes when Santa reveals your child’s Christmas wish! Bring your friends and family for a magical night.
Thank you to Team Brad Bondy for supporting Santa Shout Out again this season.
Visiting River Lights Winter Festival has become a tradition for many families … make it one of yours!
River Lights Opening Night Gingerbread Warming House Santa Shout Out River Lights Winter Festival
