Along with the many challenges that have presented themselves in 2020 have come some incredibly creative and unique experiences to help get us through. Some of these, like Christmas lights displays, are so popular they may just become the norm everywhere in years to come.
During the summer, it was pop-up drive-in movie theatres that became a new favourite activity. Fast forward a few months and innovators all across the country have created outdoor visual Holiday Feasts that are nothing short of spectacular.
Whether virtually or live in person, you can visit any number of these amazing Christmas lights displays this holiday season.
Here are some of the highlights:
Virtual Celebration
Get in the spirit with IllumiNATION — A virtual celebration of lights across Canada! The show will premiere live on Thursday, December 17th at 8 pm (EST) on the website, as well as on YouTube and Facebook. Host Gregory Charles will be highlighting the dazzling Christmas lights from sea to shining sea. The program features a chorus of Canadian celebs but the real stars are the Canadian sites and lights!
10 Live Christmas Lights Displays
1. OK, let’s hit the road! The first stop on the not-to-be-missed holiday lights tour is Ilumi – A Dazzling World Of Lights by Cavalia in Laval. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance of your visit. This winter wonderland can be experienced by car as well as on foot. There is a 3 km walking trail for those who want to wander through the beauty of a Québec winter evening. Check out the video below for a preview of this stunning display of holiday lights.
2. Next, we’ll warm up with an indoor show in Old Montreal at Notre-Dame Basilica. Aura is a glorious display of light using the cathedral as a backdrop. Though the show runs year-round, it lends itself particularly well to the holiday season with its jaw-dropping visuals adding to the festivities. Unfortunately, the show is temporarily on hold but watch for a reopening soon. It won’t be a wasted trip if you head to the area anyway. There is not a more perfect place to stroll than the Old Port on a snowy December night taking in the lovely Christmas sights.
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3. Heading east to Halifax, be sure to take in the Evergreen Festival. With a focus on supporting local shops and restaurants in the waterfront area, this holiday event usually includes some live music. To stay safe, those performances have moved online this year and you’ll find the lineup here. Be sure to check out Evergreen Bright, a 4 km lighted walkable outdoor trail, including twinkling storefront displays along the waterfront shops.
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4. Next, we fly over to Canada’s biggest airport in Mississauga where the air traffic has slowed down but the Polar Drive is in full swing! Touted as Canada’s first multi-level drive-through holiday experience, this spectacular light show takes advantage of the covered parking facilities at Pearson International Airport. You will love this 6-level, all-weather Christmas light show!
5. Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with the Journey Into Enchantment light exhibit. This 1.6 km route features a light tunnel, animated displays and holiday music. After the show, head over to Main Street in historic Unionville for a photo op in the Christmas ornament and sip on a hot chocolate to warm you up. So pretty!
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6. A romantic evening in Niagara Falls will get you in the mood for the holidays. Take in the Winter Festival of Lights with one of the wonders of the world as a backdrop! Niagara Falls Tourism even recommends a Date Night Route. Saunter along together on a beautiful 3 km evening stroll through the festive light displays. You’re sure to find a couple of perfect selfie spots to capture that holiday e-card pic! End the walk with a nightcap at one of the many restaurants or bars in the hotel district.
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7. Lights On Stratford is a brilliant holiday light display that takes over the downtown core, the Tom Patterson Theatre, City Hall and the Shakespeare Gardens. These are just some of the many buildings featuring holiday light shows.
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8. Not to be outdone, Western Canada delivers with some of the country’s most beautiful holiday lights displays. Make sure to visit Noël Christmas in Calgary. You can stay safe and warm at this indoor light park located at the BMO Centre in the Stampede Grounds. Experience the interactive light displays and a 50-foot Christmas tree. You’ll also enjoy craft beers, artisan gifts and Christmas Spirits at the Christmas Market. Noël Christmas opens December 11th, 2020 and runs until January 3, 2021.
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9. Over in Edmonton, the Rainbow Valley Campground has transformed 115,000 square feet of the property into an enchanting illuminated forest. Experience The Winter Wonder Forest from the comfort of your vehicle. This Santa’s Village features the big man himself along with musical performances and real reindeer. If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, we don’t know what will??
10. Visit WinterLights – A Magical Journey to Santa at the PNE grounds in Vancouver for a 2 km drive-thru lights show extravaganza. Decorate your car, dress up in your elf ears and Santa hats, grab some food at one of the outdoor food trucks and make a night of it.
Sadly, Vancouver has had to cancel or hold off on the opening of several Christmas lights displays such as the Capilano Canyon Lights experience as well as the beautiful Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
We look forward to the launch or return of these two events as they are not-to-be-missed memory makers for the Christmas Season. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of what we can all look forward to again someday soon.
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These are just a sample of the amazing Christmas lights displays happening across this great country! Most communities are going above and beyond with the outdoor lights, ornaments and lawn displays knowing that we’ve all been stuck indoors and need a little extra holiday cheer this year.
