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Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village, Ontario
- Jenn & Leon
- Dec 20, 2022
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Canadian Christmas lights done right! Almost one million lights adorn the trees and buildings of the historic pioneer Upper Canada Village at this beautiful winter festival.
It is one of the largest of its kind in Ontario and is a truly captivating experience, especially in the snow!
Alight at Night is located in Morrisburg, Ontario and was established in 2000, making this year its 25th anniversary.
Upper Canada Village is already a great place to visit throughout the year but Alight at Night elevates it to another level!
Check out some of our highlights, find out about the famous Canadian Beaver Tails, the history of Upper Canada Village, and all you need to know about visiting Alight at Night.
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Our Alight at Night Highlights
We had just returned to Canada after a year and a half away traveling, and we wanted to go to Alight at Night to enjoy quality time with the family.
Jenn and the kiddos had been here many times before when they were a little younger, so it was also a tad nostalgic too!
It was really fun this time around as always, and everyone had a great time. A cherished memory for sure!
Around 50,000 people visit this enchanting display every year, and it is easy to see why.
It captures the essence of Christmas and the festive season in a truly multi-sensory way, and in our opinion, it makes for a lovely evening stroll either with that special someone or the entire family.
There are lots of activities here, aside from the lights themselves.
There are horse-drawn carriage rides, good old-fashioned carol singing, a sit down with Santa, train rides (and many other fun activities for children), light and music shows (check out our YouTube video for that), a gift store, restaurants, refreshments, and even Beaver Tails!
The gift store has your typical souvenir memorabilia but also has many other high-end items, including hand-knit roll sweaters, things for the home, beautiful Christmas decorations, ornaments for trees, and the like.
What Are Beaver Tails?
Beaver Tails are a trademark Canadian sweet pastry consisting of a flat piece of fried dough, dusted with sugar and cinnamon or served with a wide selection of other delicious toppings.
Beaver Tails Canada Inc. is a restaurant chain established in 1978, now famous all over Canada and in many other parts of the world, such as Mexico, France, the UAE, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
Fun fact - one of Jenn's very first jobs was working at a Beaver Tail hut at Ottawa's Winterlude Festival when she was 16!
The History Behind Upper Canada Village
Upper Canada Village is a living history museum located in Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada.
It depicts a 19th-century village in Upper Canada, which is the historical name for the southern part of what is now Ontario.
The village was founded in 1961 as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway project. The Seaway required the flooding of ten villages in the area, known as the Lost Villages. Upper Canada Village was a part of the project's heritage preservation plan.
Many of the buildings in Upper Canada Village were transported directly from the villages to be flooded.
The park, owned and operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, was opened to the public in 1961.
It is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada, with over 40 historical buildings. These include homes, functioning mills, and trades workshops.
The village is staffed by interpreters who dress in period clothing and demonstrate the skills and trades of the 19th century.
Visitors can learn about farming, cooking, blacksmithing, and other aspects of everyday life in Upper Canada.
Upper Canada Village is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. It is a great place to learn about the history of Ontario and experience life in the 19th century.
1958: Construction of Upper Canada Village begins as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway project.
1961: Upper Canada Village opens to the public.
1972: The village is designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
1980: The village is expanded to include the Lost Villages Museum.
2000: The village celebrates its 40th anniversary.
2011: The village celebrates its 50th anniversary.
There are plenty of activities available, including village tours, camping, and dining. Find out more at uppercanadavillage.com.
Despite Canada being a relatively young country, there is much to learn about its history, and Upper Canada Village is a great place to begin!
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Ticket Prices (2024–2025 Season)
Tickets to Alight at Night must be purchased online in advance, as time slots often sell out, especially near Christmas and New Year.
● General Admission (ages 6+): CAD 17-22 (varies by date)
● Children (5 and under): Free
● Family Pass: Available (pricing varies seasonally)
● Carriage Rides: Additional CAD 25–30 per group (reservations required)
● Parking: Free on-site
Discounts may apply for season pass holders or local residents, and there are occasional themed nights or group rates available.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025). Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
● Festival Season: Typically runs from late November to early January
● Open Evenings Only: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry varies by date)
Open on select nights only, not daily—check the official Alight at Night calendar for exact dates and times
⪢ Best Time to Visit
● Best Dates: Early in the season (late November to early December) for lower prices and fewer crowds
● Avoid: December 22–26 and New Year’s weekend unless booked well in advance
● Best Time of Night: Arrive right at opening (5:00 PM) for more space and uninterrupted photo ops
● Weather Tip: Dress warmly and wear waterproof footwear—it can get icy and cold after dark!
How to Get to the Alight at Night Festival (Upper Canada Village)
The Alight at Night Festival is held at Upper Canada Village, one of Ontario’s top heritage attractions, transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
It’s located in Morrisburg, Ontario, just off Highway 401, making it easily accessible from several cities in eastern Ontario.
By Car (Most Common Option)
Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the festival. Set your GPS to:
📍 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0, Canada
Approximate drive times:
● From Ottawa: 1 hr 10 mins (100 km) via Hwy 417 & Hwy 31
● From Montreal: 1 hr 30 mins (135 km) via Autoroute 20 and Hwy 401
● From Kingston: 1 hr 45 mins (165 km) via Hwy 401 east
On-site parking is free and well organized during the festival season, but it’s a good idea to arrive early during peak weekends.
By Tour or Shuttle (Seasonal Only)
By Train + Taxi
⪢ Contact Information for Upper Canada Village
● Address: 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0, Canada
● Phone: +1 800 437 2233 ● Website: uppercanadavillage.com
● Instagram: @uppercanadavill
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Morrisberg and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Morrisberg hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Tips for Visiting Alight at Night
⪢ Dress warmly: It can be quite cold at night in November and December, so be sure to dress warmly.
⪢ Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
⪢ Bring a flashlight: The paths can be dark in places, so it is a good idea to bring a flashlight.
⪢ Take your time: There is a lot to see at Alight at Night, so take your time and enjoy the experience!
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Our Alight at Night
Experience Rating
We are rating Alight at Night 5 stars... or should it be five lights?! There is a really cool (pun intended) appeal here and it is a lovely location to get one into the spirit of the festive season.
It is nicely put together, and we felt the Christmas spirit in the air as we wandered through the village. With plenty of activities and events, it will indeed get you ready and excited for Christmas!
FAQ: Alight at Night – Upper Canada Village’s Sparkling Winter Festival
What is the Alight at Night Festival?
Alight at Night is a holiday lights festival held at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario.
The historic 19th-century village is transformed into a glowing wonderland with over one million lights, festive music, and seasonal cheer.
Where is Upper Canada Village located?
When does the festival take place?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
What can I expect during the experience?
How long should I plan for the visit?
Is it suitable for children and families?
Is the festival wheelchair or stroller accessible?
Is there food and drink available on-site?
Is it worth visiting Alight at Night?
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Such a great experience. Would come back here again for sure!