Christmas magic takes many forms. For many, it includes the joy-filled squeal of delighted children, the twinkling of lights, the simple pleasure of an evening walk with fat flakes falling from above and snow crunching underfoot — time well spent with family and friends.
Indulge in a cozy fantasy this season at the Holiday Nights of Lights, held at Newmarket’s Upper Canada Mall on select evenings (5 to 10 p.m).
If you’ve been to Holiday Nights of Lights in past years, you’ll recall the event was drive-through only. This year, in a move to make it more immersive and interactive, guests now stroll through the picture-perfect festive setting. Children, previously restrained in car seats, now race from one delight to the next. As it should be.
As the name suggests, the centrepiece of the event is a trail illuminated by 1.5 million LED lights. Twinkling displays are arranged in festive groupings or sweet solo scenes. Many are animated and synchronized to holiday tunes.
Guests ask perfect strangers to take photos of them in the stunning illuminated tunnels. Everyone happily obliges. Christmas well wishes are exchanged. Magic is at work.
The illuminated trail isn’t linear — guests can hop on and off at their leisure, choosing to walk it all at once or take a detour to experience the event’s other attractions. And there are many.
For children, there is an illuminated maze, miniature curling lanes, and hockey putting. The midway rides will, of course, call out to them — purchase plenty of tickets to ensure the smiles never fade.
Adults can try their hand at axe throwing, cozy up to a crackling firepit in the Fireside Lounge, or enjoy a drink at the Blizzard Bar — I had mulled wine while my wife indulged with the 8oz Booze Ball, a delightful cranberry vodka sipper. There is also a selection of food trucks with snacks should you want a churro or a fresh pretzel.
Holiday Nights of Lights extends until Jan. 4, so even after the stockings have all been hung by the chimney with care, there is plenty of time to bundle up for a festive evening.
As full of seasonal enchantment as Bing Crosby crooning away or the scent of Grandma’s gingerbread cookies baking, Holiday Nights of Lights may become a new holiday tradition for the family.
Just the facts
Location: Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket (17600 Yonge St.)
Cost: Adult pass (13-plus) — $20.99
Child pass (two to 12 years old) — $15.99 (free for children one and younger)
Family four-pack — $69.99 (two adults and two children)
Friends four-pack — $74.99 (four adult passes)
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. (last time slot to enter is 9:15 p.m.)
To purchase tickets or for more information, go to nightsoflights.ca/buy-tickets.html.
