2020 is making it clear why Christmas lights became such a thing in the first place. When the days are short and so many people feel lonely and isolated, seeking a brightly-lit tree can cause a surprising difference in our moods.
Luckily, there are a lot of Christmas light displays all across the country. Many are drive-throughs or outdoor walkways, and all say they intend to follow provincial COVID-19 safety protocols.
Here’s your guide to Christmas light drive-throughs and displays in Canada.
One note: Many of these are outside the cities themselves, so keep that in mind when you’re thinking about travel time.
Toronto
Where: Scarborough
When: Nov. 27 - Dec. 20
What: “You will pass by Reindeer Way, Snowman Alley, The Enchanted Forest and end at Santa’s House for a distanced meet & greet with Santa Claus.”
Where: Niagara
When: Nov. 18 - Jan. 2
What: “Take a leisurely cruise and enjoy larger-than-life reindeer, teddy bears, ornaments and a deLIGHTful 30+ foot tree.”
Where: Markham
When: Nov. 20 - Jan. 7
What: ”Enjoy the enchantment of over a million lights, bright animated and static displays, music performances, starburst virtual illumination, and the dazzling lights in your vehicle convenience and comfort.”
Where: Vaughan
When: Nov. 20 - Jan. 7
What: “A socially distanced, fully contactless drive-thru experience, featuring more than 1,000,000 LED lights animated and synchronized to your favourite holiday tunes.”
Where: Toronto Pearson Airport
When: Nov. 27 - Jan. 3
What: "Each of the six levels of the drive-through features its own themed environment, filled with iconic holiday elements that are loved by all generations.”
Where: Concord
When: Nov. 26 - Jan. 17
What: “Families will experience magic itself looking through the car’s rolled down windows and listening to beautiful music selection on the tuned radio frequency designed for the complete 25 minutes of the drive-through ride.”
Where: Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke
When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 24
What: “Take a magical journey to the North Pole from the comfort of your own vehicle! Gather up the family to safely enjoy this guided, immersive drive-thru experience that will take you on a mission to help save Christmas.”
Where: The Junction, Toronto
When: Nov. 14 - Jan. 31
What: “An immersive urban art-walk that uses augmented reality to transform the Junction neighbourhood into an outdoor gallery that is interactive, engaging, and magical.”
Where: Niagara
When: Nov. 14 - Jan. 10
What: “The festival transforms Niagara Falls into a palette of breathtaking colour with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays.”
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
When: Nov. 18 - Dec. 23
What: “This unique outdoor experience guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, including 7 magical displays that tell the stories of unique winter wonders.”
Calgary
Where: Airdrie
When: Dec. 1 - Dec. 31
What: “Western Canada’s largest, free, outdoor walk-through Christmas Light Display.”
Where: Legacy, Calgary
When: Nov. 16 - Jan. 10
What: “Drive through the community, tour a decorated show home or bundle up and take a walk along the many lit-up streets, parks and through tunnels of lights.”
Where: Calgary
When: Nov. 29 - Jan. 8
What: “The largest drive-by holiday light show in Calgary.”
Where: BMO Centre, Calgary
When: Dec. 18 - Jan. 3
What: ”From an impressive Interactive Light Park, to artisan gifts, craft beer and spirts in the Noel Market, there’s something special for everyone. With nearly one million twinkling lights, you’re sure to capture the perfect ‘Instagrammable’ moment at Noël.”
Where: Calgary Science Centre
When: Nov. 27 - Jan. 3
What: “Walk through a massive shimmering northern lights cave, warm up by a towering LED bonfire, and be spellbound by shooting stars in one of Canada’s largest dome theatres.”
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: Nov. 20 - Jan. 3
What: ”This year’s Zoo Lights will feature exciting new activities including Polar Wonderland, Journey to Wechiau, Enchanted Gardens ... and of course, we’re bringing back all the classic activities we have come to love like the Skating Rink, Firepits, Rival Axe Throwing, Lovers’ Lane, and a (physically-distanced) visit with Santa.”
Edmonton
Where: Edmonton Expo
When: Dec. 18 - Jan. 3
What: “Bring together the people you love to stroll, laugh and play under the twinkle of a million lights.”
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Spruce Grove
When: Dec. 1 - 31
What: “Stroll through candle-lit pathways, look at light sculptures, catch a glimpse of illuminated snow sprites, and be charmed by a miniature winter village.”
Where: Castrol Raceway, Edmonton
When: Nov. 20 - Jan. 2
What: “You’ll embark on a 2.5 km ‘drive-through’ experience from the comfort of your own vehicle. Be mesmerized as multiple holiday themes come to life with hundreds of thousands of sparkling LED lights.”
Where: Rainbow Valley Campground
When: Dec. 1 - Jan. 3
What: “We will be transforming over 115,000 square feet of campground into a stunning and breathtaking holiday light display to look at from the warmth of your own vehicle.”
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo
When: Nov. 26 - Jan. 3
What: “We’re ready to light up the night and show you the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s sparkle.”
Montreal
Where: Laval
When: Oct. 9 - Jan. 31
What: “A one-of-a-kind magical nocturnal adventure that offers drive-through or walking options.”
Mohawk Light Celebration
Where: Peel St., downtown Montreal
When: Mid-November to mid-February
What: This one’s a little different: rather than the usual Christmas decorations, this busy downtown street will instead be decorated with lights depicting the bear, wolf and turtle clans of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) people who are the traditional caretakers of the area that’s now Montreal.
Where: Ormstown
When: Dec. 3 - 5
What: “Take a drive through our merry village, and enjoy the lights and sights of a Christmas wonderland.”
Ottawa
Where: Wesley Clover Park
When: Nov. 13 - Jan. 9
What: “A dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favourite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.”
Saskatoon
Where: Forestry Farm Park
When: Nov. 20 - Jan. 9
What: “Visitors can enjoy the Holiday Light Tour from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles.”
Vancouver
Where: Stanley Park
When: Dec. 8 - Jan. 1
What: “Kids of all ages will be singing along to their favourite carols as they take in the whimsical displays in the sparkling magically-lit forest of Stanley Park along their ride.”
Where: Harbour Convention Centre
When: Nov. 21 - Jan 4
What: “Experience a family-friendly indoor winter festival as you celebrate the magic of winter with interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights.”
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden
When: Dec. 8 - Jan. 3
What: “A magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights decorating 10 acres of land in a magical outdoor garden setting with themed areas, unique light features, and holiday music.”
Where: PNE grounds, Vancouver
When: Dec. 11 - 27
What: From the warmth of your car, you’ll be transported through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights in your mission to discover Santa, with special characters and festive performers to help you along your way.
Halifax
Where: Downtown Halifax
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 21
What: ”Enjoy four weeks of outdoor family-friendly festive fun.”
Where: Halifax Exhibition Centre
When: Nov. 26 - Jan. 2
What: “Laugh, stroll and play under the twinkle of a million lights as you explore our light gardens and illuminated structures.”
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