Festival of Lights: The magic of the winter season

By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

Festive lights bring joy and holiday spirit to us all. They symbolize victory over darkness, brightening long winter nights and warming our hearts.

To catch the festive spirit come to the Civic Centre grounds and embark on a spectacular journey through an enchanted world, know as the Georgina Festival of Lights.

“This year the lights cover more area than before,” says Katherine Squires, the Town’s Recreation Programmer.

“We are blessed and overjoyed that after a couple of difficult years when we had ‘drive through’ only, we can finally gather outside safely. It’s great to see big crowds again.” 

Before the lights lit up, the Georgina Pioneer Village came alive with an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The Noble house had live music, and volunteers in costumes told stories about ‘Christmases past.’  

Long line-ups formed for a photo with the real Santa and Mrs. Claus, down from the North Pole, who confessed that Georgina has a special place in their hearts.  

Kelly, who grew up in Georgina and used to come to the old-fashioned Christmas as a kid, now enjoyed it for the first time with her two-year-old son, Blake.

“Its so special to have such a beautiful and kid-friendly event in our town,” she said.

“I am happy that my son can have the same magical experience here that I had.” 

Well over one thousand visitors had the same magical experience. How do we know the number? Rita Simpson from Keswick Club 55, and Rebecca from Keswick High School, two volunteers, handed out about 1,500 delicious shortbread cookies provided by Good Food Collective!

Looking for a perfect outing for the entire family? Walk or drive along the ROC and Civic Centre grounds, and be enchanted by animated lights, with music provided by channel 101.7 FM.  Daily from dusk to 11 p.m., until January 2, 2023.