13th annual Firelight Lantern Festival

November 7 & 8, 2025 ~ Crystal Palace, Picton

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. This year’s theme: PLAY! Think music, games, sports, toys, and dress-up!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 ~ 7 PM to Midnight

Ages 19+ - Join us for the art party or the year!

Dance the night away to DJ LeeLee Mishi. Spinning deep, jazz-infused house and minimal techno, she’s played epic events such as Burning Man and Promise Cherry Beach. Encounter playful installations from DOI artists. an illuminated performance from North Fire Circus, and as always, a few creative surprises throughout the evening.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 ~ 6 PM to 11 PM

SOLD OUT

Tickets to the indoor portion of this evening are sold out, however we should be able to release more tickets around 8:30 PM. If you have not purchased advance tickets, please do not come to the front entrance before 8:30 in order to make room for ticketholders to enter.

The outdoor portions of the festival are FREE, but please consider dropping a donation into one of our donation boxes to support the festival.

EVENT SCHEDULE

6 PM - Gather at Benson Park. Giant puppets, handmade lanterns and a performance by The Aurora Borealis Community Choir at 6:30. Dress warmly!

7 PM SHARP - Community Procession departs towards the Crystal Palace accompanied by Spencer Evans & the Goat Steppers. Doors open at the Crystal Palace at 7 PM in case you don’t want to or are unable to do the parade. BTX CRVTT spins tunes while you take in the art installations made by Department of Illumination artists and play a game or two!

7:30-8:30 - Kids craft inside the Crystal Palace with Sharon Hart

7:40 - Fire show by North Fire Circus outside Crystal Palace

8:30 - 10 PM - My Son the Hurricane - Main Stage Crystal Palace. My Son the Hurricane is a multi-horn, multi-drummer, multi-singer brass funk band bringing their massive musical energy all the way from Niagara. Get ready to have your socks knocked off!

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress up in whatever wild and wonderful costume you wish – especially if it’s illuminated!

WHAT TO BRING: A lantern! Our lantern workshops have concluded, and our lantern kits are sold out, however we have handmade lanterns for sale at Kelly’s Shop, while supplies last.

EAT & DRINK: Both evenings are licensed inside the Crystal Palace; bar service by County Cider Co. and Kaleidoscope Catering is serving from their food truck all night long.

PLEASE DONATE: The Lantern Parade and outdoor performances are all FREE, however donations are greatly appreciated and help keep this event going!

TICKETS

NEW! LOWER PRICES AND TICKETING SYSTEM FOR 2025!

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

TICKETS FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 (19+) - All tickets just $20 (HST inc). Buy wristbands at Kelly’s Shop (cash preferred - 197 Main St. Picton). Tickets available at the door while they last; no online tickets available.

TICKETS FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 SOLD OUT!!! We will try to open up some more tickets around 8:30 PM.

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.