The city of Hancock has received a $15,000 grant from Visit Keweenaw to help grow Hancock Lights the Night, the holiday light show that debuted last year at the city campground and quickly became a new winter tradition in the Copper Country.
Visit Keweenaw Managing Director Jesse Wiederhold said the grant reflects a deliberate effort to build out the region’s winter tourism offerings.
“As we look at being a sustainable destination, we see that summer is full of events,” Wiederhold said. “So when you look between November and April, there’s definitely some room to grow. That’s what we’re focusing on — bolstering those shoulder seasons, especially the winter experiences. Because winter, as we know, is long here. It is important to support efforts that are in winter, getting people out of the house for family-friendly fun in the city of Hancock.”
While the event is still months away, planning for the 2026 edition is already in motion. The city held its first organizing committee meeting in May, opening the door for nonprofits, businesses and volunteers to get involved.
The city is also actively seeking sponsors for the 2026 event. Hancock Lights the Night offers four sponsorship tiers, with the entry level starting between $100 and $499. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the event should contact the Hancock city office for more information.
The $15,000 award comes from Visit Keweenaw’s Destination Develop Grant Program. The tourism bureau allocates about ten percent of its budget to support the grant program. Grants have supported a variety of projects in the region including Laurium’s splash pad, and a kayak/canoe launch on the Sturgeon River in Chassell.
Those interested in volunteering or supporting Hancock Lights the Night in other ways can also reach out to the city of Hancock directly.
