With the eagerness of starting the new school year long gone and replaced by the everyday rhythm of tests, assignments and presentations, it’s no wonder that students are looking for something fun to do. Well, don’t despair, because the annual “Cavalcade of Lights” is the perfect way to ease the gap between life at Haig and the holidays. This spectacular event is sure to lift you from your school-induced stupor and trigger your excitement for the upcoming two weeks of freedom.
“Cavalcade of Lights” has a rich history in our city. In 1967 the event was created to showcase Toronto’s newly constructed city hall and Nathan Phillips Square. For more than 40 years, Toronto has kicked off the holiday season by launching a month-long series of free events-one of the biggest being the illumination of the Square by more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights that will shine bright all the way until the New Year!
Over the years, “Cavalcade of Lights” has brought people together to listen to live musical performances ranging from rock to jazz and gospel sung by big-name Canadian artists, such as Shawn Desman and Divine Brown and to witness the magnificent lights adorning the framework of Nathan Phillips Square-perhaps while skating at the outdoor ice rink! All of these activities culminate in the highlight of the evening, which is the lighting of Toronto’s “official” Christmas tree and the firework display to follow.
Since 2004, the event has expanded to a month long, city-wide celebration by where over 20 downtown neighborhoods get lit up and offer activities. Participating neighborhoods include Korea Town, Little Italy, Greektown and Bloor Yorkville, to name just a few. Throughout the weekend, the Cavalcade of Lights bus can be seen travelling between these hotspots, letting keen people on and off. This event could prove to be a great opportunity to explore Toronto and get to know what these some of the Downtown neighborhoods have to offer.
This month-long event helps to make the holidays in Toronto overflow with festive spirit.
“I loved going last year,” remarks 16-year-old Serena Choi, “I had such a fun time visiting all the different neighborhoods and seeing these beautiful lightning displays just made my day. Plus, I couldn’t help noticing that there was so much energy in the air!”
“Cavalcade of Lights” is guaranteed to get you into the magic of the holiday season. So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, pile on those layers, hop on a bus and get excited for what awaits you. See you all at Nathan Phillips Square!
