Christmas Light Festivals being held all over Windsor Essex County

Windsor Essex County is once again hosting holiday light festivals all over the county, starting from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5. 

The municipalities of Windsor, Amherstburg, Kingsville, and LaSalle are hosting their versions of the Christmas Light Festival. They are here to celebrate the Christmas season and are a good reason for families to get off their phones and couches, to get involved in community events. 

Gordon Orr is the chief executive officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. He said that all four of these festivals are special in their own way. 

“The four of them are stellar festivals,” Orr said. “The beauty of it all is they have their own unique takes on holiday features. So they are all different, it’s not like a cookie-cutter event. You are encouraged to go out and see all four of them.” 

All four Christmas light festivals have their own events and activities that suit all ages. 

Tony Gaffan is the Chair of the Fantasy of Lights in Kingsville. He said this 32-year-old festival has many opportunities to get out of the house and involved with the community. 

“It’s unlike most festivals where they’re just a weekend or a day,” Gaffan said. “We go six weeks and have lots of opportunities for people to get together and be a part of the community.” 

Kingsville will have several events that take place during the festival, such as “Paws and Claus” which is an opportunity for people to go to lakeside park and have themselves and their pets picture taken with Santa Claus. There will also be pet-friendly vendors at Lakeside Park as well. 

Another event that will be taking place is the “Fantasy of Lights Concert” on Dec. 21. There will be musical entertainment, free hot chocolate, and many more things during this concert. 

That is just at the Kingsville festival, but all four locations will have several events that will be taking place. 

Michelle Staadegaard is the manager for culture and events at the city of Windsor. She said Windsor’s Bright Lights festival is going to be very exciting. 

“One of our sections are going to be featuring somewhat of northern lights,” Staadegard said. “So, think of really beautiful colours, an array of tones very similar to northern lights. That will just be in one section of Bright Lights.” 

Staadegaard went on to say that the festival will also be having its holiday train up and running this year and it’s available to all ages. Anybody who wants to go and ride the train is welcome to do so. 

For more information on these festivals, you can visit their website here.