The days may be getting shorter, but the glow lasts a little longer this Saturday, November 15, when All is Bright — the 124th Street festival dedicated to spreading holiday cheer — returns to light up the season.
Now in its 13th year, the festival has become a mainstay celebration enjoyed by adults, kids, and adults without kids. The heart of the festival is on 124th Street, between 107th and 109th avenues, which will be closed down for the fun to spill into the road. There, festival goers can see live musical performances from rhythm and blues band The Get Downs and the jazz ensemble Don Berner Big Band, roving performers, like jugglers and stilt walkers wandering between fire cauldrons, and, of course, watch the much anticipated light up ceremony in Helen Nolan Park.
There will be activities for kids with craft stations, ice carving and maple taffy to enjoy. But there are also some special treats for grown-ups — namely, winter cocktails. Best of all, they don’t have to libate in an area penned off from the rest of the fun.
While past All is Bright events required those who like to drink their holiday cheer to stay inside the beer gardens, the 124 Street Business Association, which organizes the event, has licensed the entire event area this year.
The association is also expanding the event’s footprint to Manchester Square, where you’ll find two choirs performing over the course of the evening, and over on High Street, where Mrs. Claus and her elves await your Instagram pic. (Where’s Mr. Claus, you ask? He’s out and about, spreading joy on the streets.) In between the two venues, people can enjoy illuminated mural art and window displays along the street.
Organizers of the event do an excellent job of uniting the many distinct pockets of 124 Street, encouraging people to explore each neighbourhood celebration on foot. It’s also a great opportunity for local businesses — many of which extend hours for the occasion — to showcase their strengths to the thousands of people attending.
Meet friends, or make new ones at All is Bright on November 15, 2025, between 4–8 pm, on 124 St. between 107 Ave and 109 Ave.
