Keeping the Lights On Is a Team Sport
- Sandra Kay
- Oct 18
- 3 min read

Every year, as the nights grow longer and the chill settles in, Burlington’s waterfront transforms into something truly magical. The Burlington Festival of Lights isn’t just a dazzling display of colour and creativity — it’s a symbol of what happens when a community comes together. And at the heart of that transformation are the sponsors and partners who help make it all possible.
From the first light switched on to the final twinkle of the season, every glowing display, every joyful visitor, and every shared smile owes something to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in keeping this tradition alive. Sponsorship isn’t just about logos and recognition — it’s about legacy. It’s about giving back to the place we call home, creating joy for thousands, and helping Burlington shine brighter each year.
Why Sponsorship Matters
The Festival of Lights is one of Burlington’s longest-running and most beloved community events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Spencer Smith Park each holiday season. It boosts local tourism, supports small businesses, and fills our waterfront with laughter, wonder, and holiday spirit. But behind that sparkle lies months of planning, installation, maintenance, and coordination — all of which depend on community support.
Sponsorship dollars go directly toward powering and maintaining the stunning light displays that line the park, creating safe, accessible spaces for families to gather, and hosting events like the Parade Day Pop-Up, Jingle Market, Jingle Beats Silent Disco, and the Holly Jolly Hoedown. Every contribution helps ensure the festival remains free and open to everyone, keeping the spirit of the season alive for generations to come.
The Value to Sponsors
When you sponsor the Festival of Lights, you’re not just supporting an event — you’re investing in community connection and visibility. Sponsors enjoy recognition across high-traffic digital and physical touchpoints: website listings, signage throughout Spencer Smith Park, event programs, and social media features reaching thousands of local residents and visitors each week.
But the value goes far beyond exposure. Sponsorship aligns your brand with something that truly matters — joy, tradition, and community pride. It demonstrates leadership, social responsibility, and a tangible commitment to making Burlington a better place to live, work, and visit. Whether as a Presenting Sponsor, Lighting Feature Sponsor, or Event Partner, each level offers a meaningful opportunity to connect your brand with the people who make this city shine.
A Community Effort
The Festival of Lights is powered by volunteers and organized in partnership with the Burlington Lions Club, a service organization that has been serving our city for nearly a century. Their members work tirelessly behind the scenes to install displays, manage events, and ensure that the festival runs safely and smoothly. Sponsorship allows the Lions and the Festival Committee to expand programming, enhance displays, and ensure that every visitor — from toddlers seeing their first light show to seniors reliving old memories — experiences something special.
Be Part of the Magic
Your support can help ensure the Festival of Lights continues to grow, innovate, and inspire. Sponsorship opportunities range from feature displays like illuminated sculptures and building projections to event-specific partnerships that bring people together through music, markets, and community celebrations.
If you’ve ever walked through the park and felt the glow of the lights reflecting off the lake, you’ve already felt what this festival means. Now, you can be part of making that magic happen.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit our Sponsorship Page or contact the Festival of Lights Committee to discuss how your business can shine alongside Burlington’s brightest holiday tradition.
Together, let’s keep Burlington glowing — one light, one sponsor, and one act of community spirit at a time.


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