By Randy Carter
JARVIS—Frigid temperatures did not deter residents from attending this year’s Jarvis Light Up Night on December 13, 2025. Elf Lisa Nigh, Event Co-Creator, estimated that between 10,000 to 12,000 people attended this year.
“An incredible turnout and a true reflection of the heart behind it all,” she said. “Everything was completely free all day long, thanks to an unbelievable group of local businesses and community partners.”
JARVIS—A candy cane character wowed the crowd in her red costume. 
Chris and Rick Bigelow were in charge of the fireworks VIP area in Jarvis. 
Ice carving was one of the many festivities attendees could enjoy in Jarvis. 
JARVIS—All aboard at Jarvis Light Up 2025! 
JARVIS—Brittany Bartlett, Dodyn Bartlett-MacRae, 3, and Bentley Bartlett-Martins, 12, visited with Santa. 
JARVIS—Grace Buckborough, 4, had her face painted like a tiger by Lisa Medeiros. 
JARVIS—The Grinch was on hand at Jarvis Light Up; he was one of many characters available for photos. 
JARVIS—Al Newhouse of Rainham Road Band. 
JARVIS—Volunteer elves Olivia Miller, 14, and Amadea Butcher, 14. 
JARVIS—Peppa Pig and Sparky greeted Anayre and Briar Davis. 
JARVIS—Dancing Penguin, Cst. Patti Cote, and a Tim Hortons cup dance.
—Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.
Offerings included a midway, rock climbing, bounce inflatables, mascots, musical entertainment, and a fireworks show to cap the bright evening.
“Kids danced all day thanks to our nonstop dance party and high-energy atmosphere,” Nigh added.
Food was a focus as well, with 50 hams and 25 turkeys given away, along with 12,000 servings of fries and 6,000 hot dogs dished out alongside plenty of hot chocolate, cookies, shaved ice, and more.
“We were also honoured to host the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan and Santa on their final stop, as they celebrated Canada’s Kindest Community, an award proudly presented this year to Jarvis Light Up and the town of Jarvis.”
Keeping true to their title of Canada’s Kindest Community, the event gave back to the community as well with:
6.5 tons of non-perishables donated on December 13 and throughout the month at D&W Group in Jarvis.
One lucky attendee won a Kubota side-by-side.
Walpole North Public School earned a Grinch Happy Meal for the entire school by collecting 1,405.5lbs of donations for the food bank.
Two boys won iPads through the scavenger hunt.
The winners of the home decorating contest will be included in the January 1, 2026 Haldimand Press.
“It truly was an amazing day filled with generosity, joy, and community pride,” said Nigh. “The list of people who made it happen is endless, and we’re grateful you helped capture and share that story.”
