🕗 Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Join us for the Annual Celebration of Lights!
Get ready for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer at our Celebration of Lights, an event for all ages! Join friends, family, and neighbors as we gather to enjoy free hot drinks, tasty treats, and an array of festive activities.
Experience the magic of our beautifully lit outdoor ice rink and a variety of winter games and entertainment. Kids and adults alike can join in the fun, with a chance to win fantastic prizes and enjoy special seasonal surprises. Our event will culminate in a warm and heartening Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with carols and a visit from Santa to spread holiday joy.
Mark your calendars for this annual tradition, and celebrate the start of the holiday season with us! All are welcome—bring your holiday spirit and dress warmly for this unforgettable evening.
Celebration of Lights – Order of Events
5:00 PM – Gather and Explore
Kick off the evening with activities, lights, and community fun around Minto Park.
Chili & Buns – Free while supplies last (meat and vegetarian options available).
Thanks to La Taqueria for serving up a warm meal.Hot Chocolate Station – Free while supplies last.
Thanks to the Dawson City Fire Department for keeping us warm.Glow Skate on the Rink – Skates and helmets available, or bring your own.
Enjoy the lights and music on the ice.Snowy Scavenger Hunt – Solve clues along the trail for a chance to win a candy cane or a few special prizes!
Open to all ages.Trail Walk & Kicksled Loop – Explore our winter trail loop.
Thanks to KATTS for grooming! Kicksleds and ice bikes available to borrow.Warm-Up Space – Located inside the Minto Park Concession.
5:30 PM – Fiddle Music
Enjoy traditional fiddle tunes in the warm-up shack. Thanks to the North Klondyke Music Society.
6:00 PM – Santa Skate
Greet Santa as he arrives on-site. Join him for a festive lap around the rink!
6:30 PM – Caroling
Sing a few seasonal favourites with the Caroling Club. Gather near the stage.
6:45 PM – Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Blessing of the Tree – Led by Reverend Jeffrey Mackie.
Community Countdown – Help us light the community tree, provided and lit by Yukon Energy.
Fireworks Display – Launched by the Dawson City Fire Department.
Fired from Mary McLeod Road for viewing from Minto Park. Show will last approximately 15 minutes.
Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters
This event would not be possible without the incredible support of many local partners, volunteers, and community members:
Yukon Energy – for providing the community Christmas tree, lighting it, and removing it after the season
Dawson City Fire Department – for helping with the ice surface, serving hot chocolate, lighting fireworks, and delivering Santa safely
Katts – for grooming support and help with on-site activities
La Taqueria – for providing warm food and drinks
North Klondyke Music Society – for providing live fiddle music
The Caroling Club – for sharing holiday cheer through song
Jeffrey Mackie – for offering a blessing of the tree
Donnie Cooper – for providing and supporting sound equipment
City of Dawson Staff – for transforming the park with lights, clearing snow, setting up activities, and coordinating logistics
Arctic Inland – for generously supplying firewood
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government – for helping create a welcoming and inclusive space
Grade 7 Class – for setting up the community wall tent
Santa Claus – for taking the time to visit and bring joy to the community
John Howland – for photographing the event and capturing memories