Worth The Drive
By Kim Renault
Photos: St. Lawrence Parks
Commission | Upper Canada Village
Start a new tradition with your grandkids, by taking them to see one of the spectacular holiday light shows in the region. Not only are all these seasonal attractions worth the drive, some of them involve actually touring in your car. Enjoy! And don’t forget to end the special outing with hot chocolate and cookies.
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience happening at Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road in Ottawa. Running through January 6 from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, this show features popular holiday scenes and seasonal characters, brought to dazzling life using the latest LED technology and digital animations. You wind through the spectacular path in your car and the price is per carload. This is a perfect multi-gen outing and there’s a bonus, too: Every ticket to Magic of Lights benefits the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. magicoflights.com/events/Ottawa
At Upper Canada Village, Alight at Night is a special treat.  One of the biggest outdoor light festivals in the region, it’s an annual tradition for many extended families. Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of this beloved destination at 13740 County Rd 2 in Morrisburg. Advance tickets are recommended. You can book a horse-drawn carriage ride too. uppercanadavillage.com/event/alight-at-night
In Cumberland, check out the Vintage Village of Lights at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road. At this attraction, where life in the 1920s and 30s is showcased, you’ll experience Christmas traditions of yesteryear. Hands-on activities are included and advance registration may be required. ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/museums-and-historic-sites/cumberland-heritage-village-museum
The River of Lights is a holiday light show in Brockville that’s choreographed to favourite pop songs and holiday tunes. The action happens on Blockhouse Island Parkway, a peninsula on the waterfront that is transformed during the month of December, thanks to trees wrapped with thousands of lights. Mini lights, flood lights and unique lighting features are synced to music and you can do a loop in your car around the show grounds or park to watch. Tune your car radio to the show’s frequency (there are signs with details on site) to enjoy the music. The musically-choreographed show starts at 6 p.m. and runs on a loop until 10 p.m., with early and late hours (between 5 and 6 p.m. and 10 and 11 p.m.) offering the light show without the music. brockville.com/things-to-do/riveroflights
