Newmarket will get to experience a a "re-imagined" holiday experience at Upper Canada Mall this year as Holiday Nights of Lights arrived Dec. 7 to Jan. 4.
The event has taken place throughout the GTA over the past five years, but is now coming to Newmarket for the first time. Organizers said the event will have an all-new lighted trail concept, interactive activities "and an unforgettable festive atmosphere for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts." It will feature a walk-through trail design, designs to allow "visitors to experience the event at their own speed," with a winter fair at the heart of the event.
"We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Holiday Nights of Lights to life in a new way,” Ell'Events Inc. event director Olivera Pavlovic said in a news release. “With our new trail layout, interactive experiences, and festive atmosphere, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable holiday tradition for visitors of all ages.”
Newmarket council gave approval for the proposal Nov. 18, working through conflicts with the bylaw to let the event happen.
Activites will also include an elf sugar factory with cookies and gingerbread house decorations, a fireside lounge, a blizzard bar, hockey putt and curling lanes, carnival rides, food trucks and market vendors, and dog-friendly dates on select days.
A portion of funds raised will go towards supporting Epilepsy Toronto.
More information and ticket bookings are available at nightoflights.ca. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night, with last entry at 9:15 p.m. The event will be open Thursday to Sunday for the first few weekends, but open daily starting Dec. 19.