Overview of the Toronto Cavalcade of Lights:
For more than 40 years, Toronto has kicked of the holiday season by launching a month-long series of free events, including concerts, ice-skating and the illumination of Nathan Phillips Square and giant Christmas tree with 100,000 festive lights.This year, the Cavalcade of Lights goes from November 24, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and features fireworks, concerts, a projection installation, sparkling lighting displays in 19 Toronto neighbourhoods, a calendar of festive events and one-of-a kind tours.
Opening Ceremony - Saturday, November 24, 2007 - All Ages Welcome - Free!:
The First Lighting Celebration is an evening of the entertainment that culminates in the lighting of Toronto’s official giant Christmas Tree and a spectacular pyrotechnic finale.Live music is varied and includes rock, jazz, soul and gospel performances by big-name Canadian musical artists, including Murray McLauchlan.
Free Saturday Night Concerts & Lighting Displays:
Saturday December 1, 8 & 15, 2007, from 7 - 10 pm, people are invited to attend a free concert, ice skating, illumination show and fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square.Check the website for details.
Neighborhood Lighting Displays:
Nineteen neighborhoods are lighting up in honor of the Cavalcade of Lights celebration. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Cavalcade of Lights bus travels between the lit-up neighborhoods letting people on and dropping people off. Participating neighborhoods, such as Korea Town, Little Italy, Greektown, and Bloor Yorkville to name a few offer visitors the chance to shop, dine and take in the spectacle of lighted displays that each neighborhood has to offer.See the complete lineup of particpating neighborhoods.
Free Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square:
Skate under the holiday lights at Nathan Phillips Square’s famous outdoor ice rink.Weather permitting, the rink is usually open daily from 10 am to 10 pm by mid-November.
Call the Rink Hotline: 416-338-RINK (7465) for details. Please note that all children under age 6 need a CSA approved helmet before going on the ice.
Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available to visitors. For skate rental info call: 416-368-8802.
Hotels Offering Cavalcade of Lights Packages:
- Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Cavalcade of Lights Fireworks Package from Cdn$209
- Metropolitan Hotel Cavalcade of Lights Package from Cdn$189
Cavalcade of Lights - Location & Getting There:
The events take place citywide, but most of the action, including the Saturday night concerts, fireworks and ice-skating, takes place at Nathan Phillips Square, which is right in downtown Toronto. See map.Nathan Phillips Square is at 100 Queen Street West, easily accessed by the TTC Queen street car (501), or the Yonge Line subway (exit Queen station) or the University line (exit Osgoode Station).
Car parking is available in the underground parking garage at Nathan Phillips Square as well as metered parking on University Avenue which is just a couple of blocks west of Nathan Phillips Square.
