Light It Up

Finished all your shopping? Lovely. May we suggest some magical places in the city for you and the kids that will light things up this year? 

The annual Toronto Cavalcade of Lights is spread across the city, illuminating many neighbourhoods for the holiday season but the most impressive light display of all is at Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall) until December 20. Take advantage of the 4:30 darkness these days and plan an early evening to appreciate the lights. Park in the lot just below the skating rink (entrance is on Bay St just north of Dundas) so if you have skaters on your team, you can take in the lights while getting a bit of outdoor activity.

This year the city kicked it up a notch with a Brian Gluckstein designed display and 300,000 lights (they’re LED so they only use 95% of the energy that regular lights do). It’s worth the trip. After skating, if you feel like a wall, stroll one block east to the corner of Queen and Yonge to check out the Bay’s holiday windows. It’s old-fashioned fun and you’ll love watching your kids press their noses against the glass.

While you’re downtown, swing by Yonge and Dundas Square, if you can keep ‘em going without a meltdown (hot chocolate after skating always helps) for some more magical lighting. Be prepared though—Yonge and Dundas is busy, so you’ll want to have your wits about you and your kids attached to you (or the stroller) the whole time. But we still love the holiday buzz you just can’t feel anywhere else.

If downtown is not your thing, check out Downsview Park, where you will find the new Trail of Lights event running for the first time this year. Even if you don’t live nearby, this is still worth the trip to Acton (you know what we mean). The fun starts at 5 pm and finishes at 10 pm, with last entry at 9:45 pm. Visitors walk a two kilomtre path filled with lights, music and refreshment stands along the way (for hot chocolate and treats). There are horse drawn carriages, a Santa’s Village, carolers and more for families to enjoy, besides the awe of the lights. Tickets are $10 on weeknights and $12 on the weekends and holidays.

If you simply cannot handle the inclement weather, opt for an indoor showing of the Light before Christmas  at the IMAX theatre at The Ontario Science Centre. All kids love the IMAX theatre and this is a wonderful short film for the entire family (no warm clothing required).

If you live anywhere near Markham, you will have heard the remarkable story of a family whose charity begins at home during the holidays—and they share their efforts with everyone. The Lindsay family decorates their house with a spectacular light show that is open to the public and they welcome charitable donations from all spectators. Families drive from far and wide to witness the spectacle and we think it is truly worth it.
Good to Know: Check the website for directions and warnings about wait times. This is not a quick drive by; it is very popular so plan accordingly.

Check here for a sneak peak of what they do. It’s amazing!

So be sure to light up a little life into the holidays this season. It’s the stuff kids will remember.

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