What began as an idea between four friends has grown into a community-wide holiday celebration — and organizers of Jarvis Light Up say keeping it free remains at the heart of the event.
Now entering its seventh year, Jarvis Light Up will launch its seasonal campaign November 12, building toward a major celebration December 12 and a month-long tour of decorated homes and light installations.
Organizer Lisa Nye says a lot of work is done behind the scenes to make this event bigger and better each year without passing the cost onto families.
Nye says the event started with a simple goal: bringing light to a dark time.
As the event grew, the impact went beyond the attractions.
She says neighbours are connecting through decorating, volunteering and taking part in something together.
That shared involvement helps keep the event growing while making the holiday season more accessible to families.
This year’s main celebration on Saturday, December 12, will feature returning favourites alongside new activities.
Nye says plans include a free midway, musical fireworks and a return visit from Coca-Cola following its previous involvement through the company’s kindness initiative.
New additions include the Jarvis Light Up Quest, a phone-based scavenger hunt that will send participants to different locations to scan QR codes, follow clues and earn a chance to win prizes.
Organizers are also preparing an Elf Academy experience featuring actors, dancers and an immersive holiday production.
Nye says the committee wants to give returning visitors something new to discover each year.
The tour of homes runs December 1 through December 31.
Nye says the mapped route will take visitors past more than 550 decorated homes and large installations, including displays organizers call the “Path of the Giants.”
The drive gives families another free way to enjoy the season, whether they attend the main celebration or visit on another evening in December.
Organizers will share updates through the Jarvis Light Up 2026 Facebook page, Instagram and their website, with live Facebook shows helping introduce upcoming activities.
