The night was dark but the moon, flat in the sky, held clues of wonders to come. As a climb on the Lantern reader, I could already feel the electricity of magic on me. I wanted to visit First Light in Midland, Ontario and held in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons for years. And I finally succeeded!
Now, after visiting countless times over the years, I have found good advice to attend the first light in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, to make your night a magical success! In this guide to the first light, you will discover what this event is, what to expect, advice for visiting and 4 reasons why you should visit First Light in Midland this year.
What is Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
First of all, What is Sainte-Marie among the Hurons? Located in the charming Small town in Ontario From Midland, Sainte-Marie is the location of the first European community in Ontario.
It was a colony of the French Jesuit on the country of the Wendat, the people Huron Wendat, in the middle of the 17th century. The old mission has been recreated and now operates as A living museum.
In Sainte Marie among the Hurons, you can see the early life of Canadian pioneers by wandering their barracks, their church and their workshops. And above all, you can learn more about Canadian martyrs and Wendat nations, their interactions, their daily life and their history.
In 1920, he was appointed Canada National Historic Site. If you want to know more about the site, martyrs, wendat and story click here.
What is the first light?
Each year, for more than 20 years, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons comes to life at the candles from November. They started with 1,000 candles and 1,000 visitors. Now, the tracks, the buildings and more are Lighted by more than 5000 candlesattracting thousands of visitors.
For many, the first light in Midland is the start of the Christmas season. Families, couples and more descend on these historic terrains to celebrate, learn, create, shop, sing and dance. It is also One of Ontario’s “top 100” events! And this is one of The best places to discover the lights in Ontario!
Related article: Explore the many murals in Midland
Why should you visit the first light in Midland
Magic
A visit to First Light will enchant you. The lanterns line the tracks guiding you through the Historical Site of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Wooden buildings are lit by candles and hot light will comfort you. The same goes for the rich smells of impregnated lights and hot apple cider. Dance to the rhythm of the drum. And join the Carolers. It is the Magic of the first light.
Sainte-Marie’s field among the Hurons is not the only place to explore during the first light. There is a path bordered by lanterns under the bridge and at the top of the hill to the martyrs sanctuary. The sanctuary is devoted to the memory of the Canadian martyrs, six Jesuit martyrs and two lay people from the Mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. This is one of the nine national sanctuaries in Canada.
There, on the hill, lounging in a royal blue glow is the sanctuary. It looks like something of a dream, especially with a hanging moon. And just at the front is an imposing tree with lights. Make sure to climb the steps and enter the chapel. The path to the altar is bordered by more lanterns. There is a calm and peaceful calm inside. And along its walls, you will find glass windows of shiny spots with images of the Huron Wendat and the Jesuits who lived once.
A great cultural experience
When you visit First Light, you will be transported over time. At 17th Century and early Pioneer Times. When the fire was your heat and your straw was your mattress. Take a walk in buildings, talk to men and women in period clothes and learn what life looked like at that time.
Discover the Huron Wendat. Take advantage of Aboriginal drummers and make sure you visit the long house to be enjoyed by storytellers. Did you know that Canada’s first Christmas anthem was called Huron Carol? It was originally written by the Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf in the mother tongue of the people Huron Wendat.
And don’t forget to discover the range of multicultural exhibitions of what Christmas is like in the world.
Support local artists
Take some of the magic of the first light house with you. Each year, dozens of craftsmen settle in Sainte-Marie Museum. Here, among the museum’s pieces are tables and exhibitions full of art, jewelry, decorations, first pieces inspired by light, gifts and more manufactured by local craftsmen as well as Aborigines. Good luck, moving away from empty -handed.
This is more important than you think. Supporting local affairs, artists and residents of your community allows money to go directly. Not a company CEO or a large -area store. Your money goes to real people. And, most likely, you buy a unique piece. It makes a better gift or a better memory for yourself!
Your donation helps
Admission to the first light is Only $ 15 With a donation of non -perishable food. These donations will help the local food bank. And especially at this time of year, it is incredibly important to restore.
How incredible is it to enjoy a magical night while knowing that you help give someone a little something in need?
Things to do at first glance in Midland
There is so much to do during your visit to First Light. From the exploration of land to the candles of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons to the Martyrs Sanctuary on a visit, you will be occupied when you visit the first light.
The buildings are full of treasures, such as stables with animals, and the blacksmith with current demonstrations. There is also a cooking house full of delicious odors of pastries to try.
It is so easy to get caught in the excitement and buzzing of the first light. So much things happen, your senses will be over Overdrive. And the first light is ideal for families with young people.
There are places where children can make crafts, such as dolls wrapped in corn. And Santa Claus is on site to take pictures.
In addition to drummers and storytellers, there are singers, Franco-Ontarian editors and local choirs. There is a reason why the first light is one of the The best things to do in Midland. And don’t forget to take the time to browse the craft market within the Sainte-Marie museum.
Talk to the artists, listen to their stories and what their inspirations are. And on Thursday evening, there is even a fireworks fire!
It is only a brief look at all that the first light has to offer.
Tips for visiting the first light
Shuttle
The easiest way to go to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons to attend the first light is to take one of the shuttles. There are designated shuttle pickup points, Midland city center and Walmart on Highway 12 (see on map), which offer free parking. I always park at the Walmart for the shuttle service without hassle directly on the site.
The Sainte-Marie car park is not equipped to manage the cargoes of visitors. And take the shuttle helps. Another thing I noticed by taking the shuttle is that the magic begins here. Everyone is excited, impatient and you can even find yourself singing songs.
Early on
First Light takes place from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s only half past three to explore the land, the buildings, head for the martyr sanctuary and buy the craft market. During a visit, you will not see everything. But getting there early – as on the right when it opens, is the key to getting the most out of your first light visit.
Saturdays are always the most busy. So think about the visit of a Thursday evening instead.
Get dressed
The first light takes place at the end of November and early December. And temperatures at this time can be 5 degrees at -5. At night, it could be even colder. And most of your time in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will be passed outside, so get ready to group. The diapers, the scarves, the mittens, the toques and even the warming will help you stay comfortable so that you can focus on your night.
Wait for snow
You never know when we have snow in the county of Simcoe. During my first visit to First Light, there was no snow. But after countless visits, I think that seeing it with a soft snow blanket with the thousands of lanterns makes it more magical. So, if you have the opportunity to visit Sainte-Marie among the first Light of the Hurons when the snow is on the ground-jump for it!
What to know before going to the first light in Midland
Or – Saint-Marie among the Hurons off Highway 12 in Midland, Ontario (see on map))
When – November 21 – 24, 28 – 30 and 1st, 5 – 8, 2024 from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much – The entry is $ 15 per person, with a recommended donation from an unimideable item. You can Book tickets in advance onlineor in person.
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