You can see Stratford in a new light this holiday season during the 5th annual Lights On Stratford display.
Launching this Friday at 6 p.m., the first-ever opening ceremony will include a traditional grass dance, opening remarks, free hot chocolate and a silent disco dance party.
Managed by Destination Stratford, the theme this year is Reimagine.
Executive director Zac Gribble explains that the theme is fitting and timely.
“We thought we were at a point in history where there is a lot of reimagining happening.”
Gribble said it was important to create something that attracted visitors during the off-season to create a year-round viable visitor economy.
Just as important is to engage with the residents of the community, wanting a 50/50 split between locals and visitors
“But it was really critically important for us to focus on something that also had lots of community engagement and support,” said Gribble.
More than 80,000 people enjoyed Lights On Stratford 2023.
The light trail starts at Market Square in the downtown core and stops at various locations, ending at Tom Patterson Island.
There will be two award-winning light displays juxtaposed in the square this year.
It includes Emergence, a massive 75 mirrored-unit structural light installation with more than a kilometre of LED lighting, and Stargate, a 12 ft light square encompassing a circular ring.
Guests can take a trip to explore Everbright, an interactive light up dial display and a year-round installation at Destination Stratford Welcome Centre on Downie Street.
Then, head to Lightwall, a voice-activated permanent display on the facade of a heritage building on Ontario Street.
Following the trail, the next stop is called Heart, a large outlined light-up heart, is located at the bandshell on Veterans Drive.
Next, head to Lightbridge, a display highlighting the arches of the William Hutt Bridge, that will become a year-long installation.
End the evening in The Garden of Delight, with two installations on the Tom Patterson Island. Trumpet Flowers, huge musical light-up flowers, and Shrooms, 27 ft glowing mushrooms.
Hop-on-hop-off shuttle buses return, running along the trail during light attractions hours of operation.
There are also a number of community installations, activities and events coinciding and celebrating Lights On Stratford.
Lights On Stratford runs Thursdays – Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 19.
For more information, visit lightsonstratford.ca
