Save the Date


Light up the Park

in Palmerston


Friday, November 13th, 2026

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Palmerston Lions Park


Join us to kick off the holidays with the official lighting of Palmerston's prettiest park, complete with fireworks, hot chocolate, horse-and-wagon rides, and all your favourite holiday activities.


5:30 PM Before the Lighting

Join us before the lighting to enjoy hot dogs in the Foodland Parking Lot and hot chocolate in front of the Lion's Den.


Help us share the spirit of giving by bringing donations for the Palmerston Food Bank which will be collected in front of the Old 81 Train.


Hot dogs are organized & sponsored by Palmerston Foodland. Hot chocolate is operated by the Palmerston Lions Club and sponsored by the King Hotel.

6:30 PM After the Lighting

Until 8:00 pm, the park will be bustling with the following activities:


  • Snap photos with holiday characters, including Buddy the Elf and the Grinch, who will be roaming the park.


  • Visit the Railway Museum for Photos with Santa Claus, short magic shows with the Cool Magician, snacks and children's activities with community organizations, and horse-and-wagon rides, including a second sleigh ride!


  • New this year, local buskers will be lining the park pathway with various talents to impress and entertain you! Want to perform? Apply here.


  • Stop by the Palmerston Library to warm up and get creative with a holiday craft.

6:00 PM The Lighting

Greetings & the Official Lighting of the Park will begin at 6:00 pm.


Promptly after this, the Palmerston Glee Club will perform, followed by a fantastic fireworks display by the Palmerston Lions Club.


After this, visitors are encouraged to wander the park to view the newly lit display, Bright Lights & Festive Nights: Holiday Light Trail through the Lions Park.

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Directions & Parking



Event map coming soon!

Get Involved

All Aboard Palmerston is seeking event-day volunteers, community organizations, and local businesses to run activities and food booths, and performers to participate as buskers.

Volunteer at the Event!


We are looking for the following shifts. Send us a message with the form below or email erin@town.minto.on.ca to get involved.


3:30-4:30 pm: Set-Up Assistance

  • Set up tables, tents, hang sponsor signage, organize food bank donations, etc.
  • Recommended ages: 14+.
  • 6 volunteers needed.


5:00 - 7:00 pm: Giving Tree

  • Collect and manage food bank donations during the event.
  • Recommended ages: 14+
  • 4 volunteers needed.


6:15-7:15 pm: Santa's Helpers

7:15-8:15 pm: Santa's Helpers

  • Manage lines, introduce children to Santa, take photos, and encourage participants to complete the "Check in to Win" survey.
  • Recommended ages: 14+
  • 2 volunteers needed per shift (4 volunteers total).


6:15-7:15 pm: Horse & Wagon Rides

7:15-8:15 pm: Horse & Wagon Rides

  • Manage lines, help participants on and off the wagon ride, and manage traffic.
  • Required ages: 18+
  • 4 volunteers needed per shift. 8 volunteers total.


8:00-9:00 pm: Clean-Up Assistance

  • Put away tables, chairs, tents, signage, and any other duties as assigned.
  • Recommended ages: 14+
  • 6 volunteers needed.

Become a Busker


Interested in busking at the event? See below for details.


Host an Activity or Food Booth


All Aboard Palmerston is looking for groups to join us around the Palmerston Railway Museum to help entertain the crowd and promote your organization.


Large crowds are expected at this location. We are looking for the following activities:

  • Sell cookies, candy, and other snack items
  • Sell apple cider or other drinks
  • Lead a craft for children
  • Lead a game or activity for children


If your group has an idea, please let us know! We would be happy to chat to find something that would fit well with our event.

Send us a message to get involved!

Become a Busker


Interested in performing as a busker at Light up the Park? We’re looking for local performers to help bring some extra holiday magic to All Aboard Palmerston & the Palmerston Lions Club's annual event.


Submit an application to let us know what talent you would like to share with the community!

Performers will be set up along the pathway from the entrance of the park to the Palmerston Railway Museum, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors as they make their way through the event.


Lighting up occurs at 6:00 PM, and we recommend performers be set up and ready to go from 6:00–8:00 PM.


This is an outdoor event, so performers should be prepared for November weather! Performers may also place a tip jar at their performance area for visitors who would like to show their appreciation.


Performers will be required to bring all their own tables, chairs, lighting, and any other supplies they may need. There is limited access to power so please consider this when curating your performance. 


All performers under that age of 18 will need to consent from their parent/guardian to participate as a busker at Light Up the Park. Parents/Guardians will be required to provide supervision during the event.


Please complete the form linked above if you’re interested in performing. Submitting this form does not guarantee a performance spot. We’ll be in touch with more details once performers have been selected.