Candlelight 2025: A Ski, Bike and Snowshoe Event and Fundraiser

Hartley Park’s annual Candlelight event returns with multiple ways to experience the wonder of a winter evening in the park. Luminaries will light the night sky for skiers and snowshoers, creating a candlelit loop. Explore the trails by headlamp on a fat tire bike or kicksled, or go for a trail running adventure on a pair of Hoka demo shoes. Warm up with hot cocoa in the nature center.

This year, in addition to all the favorite outdoor elements, organizers are adding the option to come together as a community and support Hartley Nature Center through a special fundraiser. A catered dinner by New Scenic Café, a cash bar with beer and wine, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses are all part of the event. Plus, there is a special Kids Night Out in the Park childcare option so parents can choose to partake in all the festivities with their kids or on their own.

Registration to Candlelight is required, but there are multiple ticket options this year. For those who want to experience the full magic of Candlelight, Hartley is offering a $60 Full Adventure ticket. This ticket includes a catered dinner from New Scenic Café, one free drink ticket from the bar (for those over 21), access to the luminary lit ski and snowshoe trails, access to bike, ski, snowshoe and kicksled equipment, and access to the Hoka shoe demo. Kids ages 3 and under can participate for free, but there are limited kids-gear sizes available.

For those who’d rather just grab some gear and hit the trails, Hartley is also offering a $15 Explorer ticket. This ticket allows access to the skis, snowshoes, fat tire bikes, kicksleds, Hoka shoe demos, and the candlelit ski and snowshoe trails. It does not include dinner, drink ticket or dessert. Kids ages 3 and under can participate for free, but there are limited kids-gear sizes available.

Kids are welcome at all event activities, but there will also be an optional $30 Kids Night Out option for parents who want to attend the event without their kids. Adults will drop off their kids, who will then enjoy a night of indoor and outdoor nature-themed fun with an experienced Hartley educator. A pizza dinner will be included with Kids Night Out tickets. (Please note: Kids Night Out is intended for those parents who want child care so they can attend the event without their children. The child must be at least 3 years old and fully potty trained. Tickets must be purchased separately from the Candlelight ticket. Those who plan on having their kids with them at the event should register them for their own Candlelight ticket and not Kids Night Out.)

Preregistration is required at hartleynature.org.