Jonathon Liedtke – ourWindsor.ca – Dec. 18, 2012
Last week we brought you the best Indoor Holiday Decorations in and around Windsor this holiday season. Today, we’re focusing on the Best Outdoor Holiday Decorations in the community.
Throughout the city there are lights and decorations, decorated wreaths, displays and Christmas trees to spread the traditional holiday cheer and help get people into the festive spirit.
River Lights Winter Festival in Downtown Amherstburg features over 100 displays, heritage trolley tours, and wine tastings. All displays are lit from 5:30-9:30pm nightly, and in addition, there are two large animated fireworks displays and a computerized Christmas tree light display set to holiday music. For more information, visit their website: http://www.riverlights.ca/
The 20th Annual Kingsville Fantasy of Lights takes place in Lakeside park and features lit displays and runs until January 6th, 2013. The Kingsville town website describes the event as “a sea of colourful displays for the “Fantasy of Lights”. Melodies of Christmas music, hot chocolate, light snacks, crafts and souvenirs welcome all who are ready to awaken their holiday spirit.” For more information, visit their website: http://www.fantasyoflights.ca/
The John R Park Homestead is holding the Candlelight Christmas on Tuesday Dec. 18th. The event allows for participants to view the Homestead decorated in its holiday splendor by candlelight. Registration costs $15, and it is mandatory to pre-register: http://onlineregistrations.ca/jrph/
Sandwich Towne is arguably one of the most noteworthy neighborhoods in Windsor, dating back to pre-amalgamation. The Sandwich BIA has taken to installing multi-coloured and white holiday wreaths on alternating light poles. In addition, a large decorated Christmas tree was recently ceremonially lit for the already passed Santa Claus Parade. Sandwiche Towne is located just west of the Ambassador Bridge.
Belle River has installed their display of Christmas lights in Optimist Park. The annual tradition features holiday light displays, trees wrapped in lights and a decorated pavilion. Optimist Park is located at 705 Notre Dame Street, Belle River.
Ford City last week lit their Ford City Christmas Tree which stands outside of the Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex. Roughly 80 residents attended the official tree lighting which this year celebrated its 3-year mark. The Gino & Liz Marcus Community Complex is located at 1168 Drouillard Road.
The Town of Essex has installed snowflake themed holiday lights on lampposts in the core of the Town, while a large Pine Tree has been lit throughout situated directly outside of Essex Town Hall. Visit 33 Talbot Street South Essex to see the decorated tree.
Don’t forget. Many residents take it upon themselves to decorate their houses and sometimes even entire municipal streets. Try your luck going for a nighttime drive through different neighbourhoods and see just how many holiday displays you can find.
If you’re not the type to just jump in the car and drive aimlessly, head to 550 Kenwood Blvd. in La Salle to check out the 6th Annual “Listen to the Lights” Christmas light display. The first show begins at 6pm, and runs for roughly 20 minutes with new shows starting on the half hour until 10:30pm. The event runs until New Years and you can tune in to 90.3FM to listen in. Visit their website for more information: http://windsor.kijiji.ca/c-community-other-LISTEN-TO-THE-LIGHTS-CHRISTMAS-LIGHT-DISPLAY-LASALLE-ONTARIO-W0QQAdIdZ435194636
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, make sure that you get out with your family, friends and loved ones to take in the Holiday Season. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the flurry of engagements which typically tend to pile up this time of year, it’s always a treat to be able to take in colourful light displays and spend time with those who you hold near and dear.
Best Bets: Outdoor Holiday Decorations (ourwindsor.ca)
Jonathon Liedtke is the Features & Opinion Editor for the University of Windsor Lance Campus/Community Newspaper and a reporter for ourWindsor.ca. As a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, he is committed to representing, connecting, engaging with and advocating for local youth. He is also a member of Windsor’s “Punk with Horns” band The Nefidovs, and as such, is committed to enhancing and sustaining the arts community.
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