What Makes Bright Lights Windsor so Popular?

Jackson Park lights up the night with another year of Bright Lights Windsor. 

This year’s theme is “Where Tradition Shines.” For it they have created a path that will take you through many seasonally themed zones. 

The zones include the Enchanted Children’s Village, Winter Wonderland and Peace and Love Around the World. 

These are only three of the eight zones they have created for the festive season. 

“Bright Lights Windsor is back, and the wonderland on display at Jackson Park is bigger, better and brighter than ever,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “From the return of fan-favourite display zones, the W.E. Made It: Holiday Market, and Silent Nights to the addition of cool new elements like LED Chair Swings, a Step n’ Lights path and Storybook Train Station.” 

Along with those new elements they also have a games tent where you can play traditional festive games. Singing trees will sing Christmas music as you walk through the display and a brand-new Santa’s Bench will give you the opportunity to sit down with Santa himself. 

 This creates a hotspot for families around the holiday season. 

“I like how the diversity of our city is represented in the light displays and the photo opportunities available for my family each year,” said Carrie Thwaites, a Windsor mom who has gone to the display for many years with her family. “It’s a festive spot to visit that brings about holiday cheer.” 

Other people who go to the display echoed Thwaites’ opinion of the diversity of the lights. 

“I really appreciate how our city’s diversity is being represented in the light displays,” said Annemarie Symchyshyn, another long-time visitor of the lights. “This diversity is reflected in the visitors to the Bright Lights.” 

Symchyshyn also said she liked how much of a family event Jackson Park becomes when the Bright Lights come to town. 

“It is an event you can do with families and friends that does not have to cost anything,” said Symchyshyn. 

Other people like the atmosphere surrounding the park during the Christmas season. 

“My favourite part is walking through the Canada display and the candy canes,” said Kim Beneteau, a resident of Lakeshore who makes the trip to Windsor every year to see the light display. “I feel like I get lost in a Christmas wonderland.” 

While some people love the candy canes, others like with the main attraction of the whole display, the massive Christmas cheer right in the middle of the park. 

“I really like the giant tree and it lights up differently as you walk through the park,” said Connie Farrer, a Tecumseh resident. “I like that it is a beautiful place to walk in the dreary days of winter.” 

Farrer said she thinks it is a great place for family and friends to go around the holiday season. 

“For some it has become a new tradition,” she said. “I love traditions.” 

It is no wonder why Bright Lights Windsor is such a hit among the people of Windsor bringing in almost 100,000 since it started. 

“This celebration of our community brings people together to enjoy the holiday season in an unforgettable and engaging way, while highlighting giving opportunities through community organizations, supporting local vendors and artisans, and so much more,” said Dilkens. “That really is the magic formula of what we’ve created here.” 

If you want to experience the magic of the lights yourself then head to Jackson Park, any night from Dec. 1 to Jan. 7 between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.