Firelight Lantern Festival 2025

13th annual Firelight Lantern Festival

November 7 & 8, 2025 ~ Crystal Palace, Picton

Wow! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our 13th Firelight Lantern festival!

Those who volunteered, attended lantern workshops, came out in their PLAYful looks and our incredible sponsors! Thank you all for your contributions and support.

This weekend was perfect! From the breathtaking performances in Benson Park with the Aurora Borealis Community Choir to the mesmerizing fire show by @northfirecircus , and the electric vibes on the dance floor in harmony with the incredible @mysonthehurricane … every moment was filled with wonder and warmth.

Watching the lanterns light up the night alongside incredible music and fiery artistry was unforgettable.

Here’s to a weekend that brought our community together in a celebration of creativity, light, and connection.
We can’t wait for the next one!

Video by @storiedmarketing

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A post shared by The Department of Illumination (@deptofillumination)

The Department of Illumination lights up the night with The Firelight Lantern Festival, a cherished Prince Edward County tradition since 2013. Two magical evenings of arts and music will unfold at the Crystal Palace in Picton, Ontario. November 6 & 7, 2026. Friday night’s musical headliner is Grievous Angels and Saturday night’s headliner was My Son The Hurricane!

The Firelight Lantern Festival draws inspiration from traditions of many lantern festivals throughout the world which use light as a symbol to bring people together. The timing of our festival in mid-November coincides with the European tradition of Martinmas which originated in France in honour of St. Martin, a friend of children and patron of the poor. Martinmas is celebrated throughout Europe, its signature being children’s lantern processions. As fall ends and the darkness of winter descends upon us it is easy to feel isolated, especially living in a rural community. Our festival acts as a beacon to encourage our residents, both adults and children, to conjure their own light, bringing it into their hearts and homes to sustain them through the darkness. Making a lantern is a literal application of this metaphor, but in gathering people together to make lanterns in town halls, schools and living rooms, our camaraderie grows and we feel the warm glow of making beautiful things with our hands alongside friends and neighbours.