Tradition Shined for Thousands at Bright Lights Windsor 2023
Bright Lights Windsor 2023, “Where Tradition Shines,” wrapped up for the season after its final evening on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
The City estimates that over 100,000 people enjoyed the lights, displays and holiday cheer that were offered through December and early January.
Here are a few highlights to celebrate from this year’s event:
Guided by this year’s theme of “Bright Lights Windsor: Where Tradition Shines,” our path took visitors through a series of seasonally themed zones: The Enchanted Children’s Village; Wish Upon a Star; W.E. the North; Candy Cane Lane; Merry and Bright; Santa’s Workshop; Winter Wonderland and Peace and Love Around the World.
As always, there were so many selfie opportunities! Social media buzzed with beautiful images and glowing smiles.
Interactive additions for 2023 were a huge hit! Our light-up games and swings were a must-do for visitors.
Live entertainment was welcomed at the “Big Tree” for the first time this year with a stage in the sunken garden to entertain visitors as they gathered and took photos by the event’s iconic centrepiece.
The WE Made It: Holiday Market returned, sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island in partnership with the Urban Art Market, Rose City Etsy Team and WindsorEats. New this year, the market was complemented by a convenient seating area where visitors could enjoy a sip or a bite and relax in the glow of the lively shops nearby. Along with the market, several excellent local food and beverage options were enjoyed.
A partnership with the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) was well received and gave folks a seating area to enjoy a short holiday film while sampling some of the great food and drink from the market.
Sensory friendly “Silent Nights” were offered on Tuesday evenings. The lights were on, but sound was muted and strobe elements paused so the display could be enjoyed in a peaceful environment accommodating to sensory sensitivities.
We were once again blessed with a number of gracious sponsors, including Tim Hortons, Libro Credit Union, OLG, Creative Homescapes, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, St. Clair College Alumni Association, RE/MAX Care Realty Team Goran, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, WindsorEssex Community Foundation, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Windsor Premier Cruises, AM800 CKLW, CTV Windsor, windsoriteDOTca News, and The Windsor Star.
Windsor’s incredible charitable spirit shone brightly too, as each week featured a designated hut to showcase a Community Giving Partner. This year’s charitable partners included Noah's House; DAT Optimist Club; Sleep in Heavenly Peace - ON, Windsor; Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex; Community Living Essex County; and W.E. Care for Kids, who generously supplied hot chocolate on many nights during the event.
The focus now shifts to removal of the event displays and equipment, which organizers say will be ongoing, weather permitting. The park will be re-opened in phases (similar to those used for the set-up last fall) to ensure the public has access to walking paths as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for updates.
Share Your Thoughts!
If you visited us at this year’s event, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a few moments to share your feedback through our survey:
If you are interested in becoming a vendor for Bright Lights Windsor 2024, please email brightlights@citywindsor.ca to be added to the mailing list.
To learn more, visit www.BrightLightsWindsor.ca or contact 311.