Bright Lights Windsor Tradition Shines Again on December 1

‘Tis the season for cherished traditions, and there’s no better way to continue the magic than with Bright Lights Windsor!

Our beloved Bright Lights Windsor returns to Jackson Park to light up the night and bring the holiday spirit to life from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Visitors this year can enjoy a Bright Lights Windsor that’s bigger, better and brighter, and we can’t wait to welcome you!

Bright Lights Highlights

This year’s theme is “Bright Lights Windsor: Where Tradition Shines” and our path this year takes you through a series of seasonally themed zones: The Enchanted Children’s Village; Wish Upon a Star; W.E. the North; Candy Cane Lane; Merry and Bright; Santa’s Workshop; Winter Wonderland and Peace and Love Around the World.

As always, there will be so many selfie opportunities!

The WE Made It: Holiday Market returns, sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island in partnership with the Urban Art Market, Rose City Etsy Team and WindsorEats. New this year, the market will be complemented by a convenient seating area where you can enjoy a sip or a bite and relax in the glow of the lively shops nearby. The full holiday market will be open Fridays and Saturdays, with a partial market for food and beverages operating during the week. Along with the market, several excellent local food and beverage options will be available.

Sensory friendly “Silent Nights” are offered on Tuesday evenings. The lights will be on, but sound will be muted and strobe elements paused so the display can be enjoyed in a peaceful environment that is accommodating to sensory sensitivities.

We have a number of gracious sponsors, including Tim Hortons, Libro Credit Union, OLG, Creative Homescapes, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, St. Clair College Alumni Association, RE/MAX Care Realty Team Goran, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, WindsorEssex Community Foundation, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Windsor Premier Cruises, AM800 CKLW, CTV Windsor, windsoriteDOTca News, and The Windsor Star.

Encouraging Windsor’s incredible charitable spirit will be a priority once again this year, and each week we will have a designated hut for a Community Giving Partner to showcase. (Weekly partners to be announced at a later date.) In addition, W.E. Care for Kids will be here with hot chocolate on weekends for the duration.

New for 2023

Chair Swings – Introducing our new LED chair swings that bring enchantment to life as they illuminate the night with a vibrant array of colours. We invite you to swing beneath the stars and immerse yourself in the magical experience of these dynamic creations.

Step n’ Lights – Our new mesmerizing light-tile area turns each step in your path into a magical experience. With vibrant colours and patterns responding to your every move and lighting your way, it's a captivating spectacle for all ages.

New Train Station – This year, our children's train ride is getting a charming new addition: a storybook train station. Make your family's visit even more memorable as your little ones enjoy a whimsical journey through our magical light display with a stop at the brand new Libro Express Station. The Bright Lights Windsor train ride is the perfect family adventure. Sponsored by Libro Credit Union.

Santa’s New Bench – Join Santa as he unveils his brand new bench! Step into a world of holiday magic as your little ones have the chance to sit with Santa in the most magical setting. This stunning new area is designed to make your child's visit with Santa more special and memorable than ever before. Sponsored by St. Clair College.

Singing Trees – Get ready to be enchanted by our singing light trees. As you stroll through our wonderland, these trees come alive with harmonious melodies and dancing lights, creating a mesmerizing show that embodies the true spirit of the season.

Games Tent – Step into our Bright Lights Windsor world of LED-lit games. Inside our festive tent, you'll discover a magical blend of traditional carnival fun, illuminated with captivating lights and colours that enhance the enchantment. It's the perfect place for families and friends to share in the joy of play and embrace the magic of the season.

Adirondack Chairs and Fire Tables – Cozy up in our welcoming Adirondack chairs and fire tables, courtesy of our friends at Creative Homescapes. These inviting spots provide the perfect pause in your journey, offering a chance to relax, chat, and soak in the seasonal ambience.

Opening Ceremonies

Opening ceremonies take place this year at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, after which the event runs every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until January 7, 2024. Mike and Lisa from the Morning Drive on AM800 CKLW will be this year’s emcees for our opening night.

Quote:

“Bright Lights Windsor is back, and the wonderland on display at Jackson Park is bigger, better and brighter than ever! 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, Storybook Train Station, Singing Trees, Santa bench, Games Tent, and Adirondack chairs and fire tables, our multiple-award-winning festival is not-to-be-missed. 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. That really is the magic formula of what we’ve created here. Thanks to everyone who makes it possible, and to everyone who joins us at Bright Lights Windsor... ‘where tradition shines’.”
– Mayor Drew Dilkens

To learn more, contact 311 or visit BrightLightsWindsor.ca online.