By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
As winter settles over Halton, Mountsberg Conservation Area is lighting up with a unique outdoor experience designed to lift spirits and bring the community together. Halton Conservation’s Winterlit returns this season, offering visitors a moonlit stroll along trails adorned with sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations.
Education Manager Brenna Bartley explained that the timing of the event is intentional.
“We already run a Christmas program, so we didn’t want to overshadow our Christmas town,” she said. “But more importantly, this event started back in 2020 when people were feeling really low. We wanted to offer something uplifting and hopeful, especially during one of the darkest times of the year, to encourage people to get outside and reconnect with nature. Being outside is great for mental health and helps with the winter blues.”
Winterlit takes place on select evenings from January 10 to February 16, 2026, with a special Enchanted Evening scheduled for Valentine’s Day. Bartley noted that these dates are especially popular and encouraged visitors to purchase tickets in advance.
The event has grown over its five-year history to become a signature winter experience in Halton, offering a thoughtful, grounded approach to a light show.
“We really try to stay true to who we are as an organization,” Bartley said. “Everything people will see is either locally made or crafted from recycled or upcycled materials. Some installations are made from old skylights, oil and propane tanks, or even a set piece from the movie Downsizing that was produced in one of our parks years ago. It’s all created in-house, and it’s meant to be a connected experience, not just a dazzling spectacle.”
Winterlit also includes activities that extend beyond the illuminated trails. Visitors can swap books at the cozy “Book Nook,” play board games, or add experiences like Art in the Park any time, Discover Owls hikes on Fridays, Stargazer Hikes on Saturdays, Nature Nerd Trivia Nights on Jan. 30 and 31, and Beeswax Candle Making during the Feb. 14 Enchanted Evening. Bartley noted that these activities provide opportunities for families to engage with nature in meaningful ways while enjoying the winter season.
Over the Family Day long weekend, children 14 and under can attend for free. Admission for non-members is $23 for adults and $19 for seniors or children, while members pay $17 for adults and $14 for seniors or children. Children under four are free.
In recognition of Black History Month, Halton Conservation has partnered with community organization Halton Black Voices to offer free tickets, accessed through a promo code, for families that identify as Black on February 6 and 7. More information is available at HaltonBlackVoices.ca, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
Bartley hopes visitors leave Winterlit feeling inspired.
“This is not your typical fancy-style light show. It’s about connecting with nature, appreciating creativity, and enjoying a shared community experience. We want people to leave feeling grounded, uplifted, and a little sparkly inside.”
To learn more about Winterlit or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.conservationhalton.ca/winterlit/.
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