Celebrate 30 Years of Christmas Magic on November 20

Cobourg, ON (November 9, 2026) – The Town of Cobourg and Experience Cobourg are pleased to celebrate 30 years of Christmas Magic with the return of the annual Light Up Ceremony and Holiday Market on Friday, November 20, 2026, starting at Rotary Harbourfront Park.

The official countdown and light-up will take place at approximately 6 p.m. at Rotary Harbourfront Park, marking the start of the Christmas Magic season in Cobourg.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the community is invited to enjoy an evening of holiday entertainment, horse and wagon rides, festive shopping, seasonal treats and activities throughout downtown. Through collaboration with Downtown Cobourg, local businesses, vendors and community partners, the celebration will extend beyond the park, bringing holiday spirit throughout the downtown core.

Enjoy holiday music, carolers, bell ringers, line dancing and performances by local dance troupes. DJ Joel Wesley will keep the festive atmosphere going at Rotary Harbourfront Park, while the Christmas Magic Market and Downtown Cobourg Holiday Market contribute to the evening with opportunities to shop local, find unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats.

Give a Little, Glow a Little! 

Help brighten the holidays for local families by bringing a donation for the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank. In exchange for a donation, receive a glow item to light up during the Christmas Magic countdown!

At approximately 6 p.m., the community will gather at Rotary Harbourfront Park for the Christmas Magic countdown, officially lighting up Cobourg’s holiday display for the season.

Horse and Wagon Rides

Take in the sights of Christmas Magic with a festive horse and wagon ride through downtown Cobourg and both Rotary Harbourfront Park and Victoria Park! Rides will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with pickup at Rotary Harbourfront Park.

Holiday Markets and Shopping Downtown

The 30th anniversary of Christmas Magic is a community-wide celebration, with local businesses, vendors and community partners helping bring the holiday spirit to downtown Cobourg.

The Christmas Magic Market, located on the oval at Rotary Harbourfront Park, will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring artisans and food vendors offering unique gifts, festive treats and seasonal finds.
The Downtown Cobourg Holiday Market will also take place as part of the evening's festivities, adding to the downtown shopping experience and encouraging visitors to explore local businesses and vendors.
Together, these activities create a festive downtown experience surrounding the official Christmas Magic Light Up Ceremony at Rotary Harbourfront Park.

Downtown Parking

Planning to attend Christmas Magic? There are several parking options throughout downtown Cobourg, including municipal parking lots and on-street parking on both the north and south sides of King Street.

The Town of Cobourg offers three hours of free parking year-round, making it easy to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses.

For parking locations and information, visit cobourg.ca/parking.

Road Closures 

Please note the following road closures for the event:

• Albert Street, from Third Street to Division Street | 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• King Street West, from Spring Street to Division Street | 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Second Street, from King Street West to Albert Street | 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cobourg Transit

Cobourg Transit’s Fixed Route service will have a downtown detour route in place. No stops will be missed, however, passengers may experience delays.

The Downtown Terminal will temporarily relocate from Albert Street to Third Street, behind the LCBO, during the event.

Live Theatre

Disney's Frozen will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall on Friday, November 20.

Tickets are available through the Box Office in the lobby of Victoria Hall or online at ExperienceCobourg.ca.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Town of Cobourg and Experience Cobourg extend their sincere thanks to the sponsors and community partners who help make Christmas Magic possible:

• Ontario Power Generation
• Cameco
• Moffatt Bros. Roofing Ltd.
• Community Partners: The Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm | Victoria Hall Volunteers | Wharram Tree Service Ltd. | Cobourg Garden Club | Ironwood Tree & Landscape

Enjoy Christmas Magic in Both Parks

The Christmas Magic celebration doesn't end on opening night! Visitors are invited to explore both Rotary Harbourfront Park and Victoria Park to experience Cobourg's festive holiday light displays.

The Christmas Magic displays in Victoria Park will shine nightly from November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, while the displays in Rotary Harbourfront Park will remain illuminated from November 20, 2026, through February 15, 2027 (Family Day weekend).

Both parks offer a wonderful opportunity to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the festive displays and soak in the holiday spirit throughout the season.

Returning for its second year, the Cobourg Public Library at 200 Ontario Street will once again feature outdoor holiday displays, adding another festive stop to the Christmas Magic experience. 

For more information about Christmas Magic and all of this season’s events, visit ExperienceCobourg.ca.