Illuminite

ILLUMINITE 2025: Making Connections

Welcome to the second year of ILLUMINITE, a celebration of light, art, and togetherness in the heart of Downtown Yonge. This year’s theme, Making Connections, shines a spotlight on the bonds between people and the spaces we share, transforming the winter landscape into a vibrant, interactive experience.

Experience the Glow

Discover captivating light installations that brighten Downtown Yonge from February 14 to March 2, 2025, running daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This winter, ILLUMINITE bridges the chill with warmth, creativity, and community spirit.

Illuminite Locations:

Explore five (5)  stunning installations across Downtown Yonge:

THE TUNNEL

Company: Creos | Artist: BIG ART
Location: College Park – Yonge Street Entrance

About

Step into THE TUNNEL, an immersive light installation that symbolizes the start of a transformative journey. Its polished exterior reflects the surrounding urban landscape, while a stunning 100-foot beacon of lights illuminates the space, creating a captivating spectacle.

Visitors can explore passively, letting the light guide their way, or actively take control of the experience through an interactive console, becoming the “pilot” of this dynamic display. THE TUNNEL invites you to journey beyond the known, blending imagination and technology into an inspiring new reality.

 CELESTIA

Artist: Kleis
Location: Sankofa Square

About

Celestia by Kleis is a luminous journey inspired by the myth of the Pleiades that transforms Sankofa Square into a celestial theater where light, sound, and storytelling converge.

Interact with Celestia to unveil a luminous and sound-filled universe and encounter the characters embodied by the seven artistic structures. These seven sisters reveal their melodies, colors, and poetry, intertwining their connections in the space. Celestia celebrates literature, music, digital arts, and design in a collective experience led by poet Carolanne Foucher and Huron-Wendat storyteller Yolande Okia Picard.

Experience the magic of Celestia as it lights up the night and inspires wonder in all who encounter it.

Celestia by Kleis is a co-production with Quartier des spectacles Partnership, ExpoCité and Sankofa Square, supported by the City of Montréal, the City of Québec, the City of Toronto, the City of London (Ontario) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Distribution by Quartier des spectacles international (QDSi). 

PULSE

Company: Matt Creative
Location: McGill & Granby Parkette

About

Pulse explores the hidden networks that connect us to nature. Inspired by the underground communication of tree roots—where nutrients, energy, and information are shared—this immersive installation brings these invisible interactions to life above ground.

Through vibrant visualizations, Pulse recreates the real-time exchange between trees. Each tree reacts to nearby visitors, gently pulsing to alert others, while showcasing its unique “personality” the longer you stay and observe.

Pulse invites you to experience the unseen bonds of nature in a mesmerizing display of light, connection, and discovery.

 

CROSSHATCH

Company: Studio Jordan Shaw
Location: 777 Bay Plaza


About

Crosshatch is an interactive light installation that combines kinetic elements with experiential lighting, inviting visitors to engage directly with its structure. Through collaboration and participation, it transforms light into a shared, dynamic experience.

The artwork features two handles that allow visitors to push and pull, altering its physical state while projecting shifting patterns of light and shadow. This interaction demonstrates how individual actions influence not only personal perception but also the experience of others around them.

Designed to foster cooperative engagement, Crosshatch encourages experimentation, shared interactions, and play. It invites participants to reflect on how our collective actions shape and transform the spaces we inhabit, blending light, technology, and human connection into a captivating exploration of environmental responsiveness.

Fireside Storytelling

Company: Highness Global Inc | Artist: Nyle Miigizi Johnston
Location: 777 Bay Plaza

About

Created by Nyle Miigizi Johnston in collaboration with Highness Global and the Downtown Yonge BIA, Fireside Storytelling is an intimate public sculpture inspired by the Anishinaabek tradition of gathering around a fire during winter.

This unique installation features a modern yet warm design, crafted from wood and LED lighting, with two flame-like acrylic elements glowing softly. A motion sensor triggers a brighter light, evoking the feeling of storytelling by a fire on a cold winter night.
At its heart is Johnston’s depiction of a grandfather sharing teachings with his community, emphasizing intergenerational connection and cultural preservation. The piece invites viewers to gather, reflect, and celebrate the warmth and light of shared stories, fostering connection and community.

Fireside Storytelling is a beacon of tradition and creativity, reminding us of the power of storytelling to bring people together.

 

Special Highlights

LAUNCH DAY CONCERT: OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATIONS

February 14 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)

Sankofa Square is presenting a one-night concert featuring musicians from the UNESCO creative cities of London (Ontario) and Toronto. Free hot chocolate and churros available while supplies last!

Featured Musicians: Junko Daydream (London), Tara Kannangara (Toronto), Lady Pista (Toronto), NESS (London), Rosina B. Solomon (London), Tyrone Traher (London)

ARTIST TALKS - ILLUMINITE CONNECTIONS: An Evening of Art, Light, and Cultural Storytelling

February 14 | 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
DMZ Sandbox @ Toronto Metropolitan University

Visit ILLUMINITE CONNECTIONS for a special evening at the DMZ Sandbox at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Explore the intersection of light, technology, and cultural storytelling. This artist talk showcases innovative creators who transform public spaces into immersive experiences of light and connection.

Family Day Weekend At College Park

February 15 & 16 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
College Park

Celebrate the mesmerizing Illuminite art installation while enjoying an evening of winter fun at College Park. Don’t miss this enchanting winter celebration—perfect for all ages!

Live DJ – Keep warm and dance under the glow of the installation.
Maple Taffy & S’mores – Indulge in classic Canadian treats.
Free Skate Lending – Glide across the rink under twinkling lights.

Photo Walks – Illuminite Festival with Tdot Shots

February 14, 15, 22 | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
SEE RSVP PAGE FOR MEETUP LOCATIONS

Hosted by Tdot Shots, we focus on street and portrait photography – and the amazing light installations by a variety of talented artists. We will review the route and discuss night photography techniques. We encourage you to bring the best camera you own. Smartphones are welcome – we also suggest bringing a mirror less or DSLR to capture the lights and installations at the finest so your images will dazzle our judges. RSVP now and get a chance to win gifts!

RSVP for:
February 14: Valentine’s Special Walk
February 15: Art Installations Walk
February 22: Art Installations Walk

Capture the Glow: Illuminite Photography CoNTEST

February 14 – 22 | February 15 – 28

Love the dazzling lights and vibrant art installations at ILLUMINITE?
Show us your creative shots of ILLUMINITE for a chane to win a $100 gift card! The Downtown-Yonge BIA in partnership with Tdot Shots invites you to participate in our photo contest, celebrating the beauty and artistry of this spectacular event.
#IlluminiteCapture

Bookmark this website or follow us on social media for updates.

Illuminite 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience that illuminates the city, fosters connections, and brings people together.

Mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate light, art, and the beauty of connection. More details coming soon.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Cultural Partner

Community Partners