Windsor’s Holiday Tradition Shined Bright for Thousands at Bright Lights Windsor 2025

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Bright Lights Windsor 2025 wrapped up for the holidays after its final evening on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. 

The City of Windsor estimates that over 105,000 people enjoyed the lights, displays and holiday cheer that were offered at Windsor’s signature holiday festival through December and early January.

See our 2025 Bright Lights Windsor photo gallery (Flickr).

Here are a few highlights to celebrate from this year’s event:

Guests embarked on a magical journey through a series of seasonally themed zones, including Northern Lights, 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. Photogenic displays and countless selfie opportunities throughout the path once again set social media ablaze with stunning images and glowing smiles.

Programming additions for 2025 were a huge hit! 

  • Free Wi-Fi in the park courtesy of WaveDirect. 
  • WE Made It: Holiday Market expanded hours:
    • The popular W.E. Made It: Holiday Market returned, in partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Urban Art Market. The market hours were expanded to Thursday through Sunday, providing more shopping opportunities for guests! The market showcased locally made gifts, along with a delectable selection of local food and beverages — celebrating the holiday spirit and supporting our amazing regional artisans.
  • The Chalet
    • Beverage Service offered Sunday through Saturday by WindsorEats. 
    • Senior Programming on Tuesdays and Kids Programming on Wednesdays.
  • Mobility Tours
    • This tour provided guests with an accessible way to experience Windsor's Bright Lights display. Our City staff took guests on a guided tour around the park in a golf cart. Designed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the tour ensured that everyone could fully appreciate the festive scenery, illuminated installations, and enchanting atmosphere without the need for extensive walking.
  • Walking Club offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
  • New displays, including Family farm trees, firework lights, light-up seesaws, large heart-shaped arch, new photo opportunities and more!

In addition to the new Mobility Tours, Bright Lights Windsor continued its commitment to accessibility by offering sensory-friendly “Silent Nights” every Monday evening. During these sessions, the lights remained on while sound and strobe effects were paused, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Thank You, Sponsors!

The City had a number of gracious sponsors this year, including ENWIN Utilities Ltd., WaveDirect, Tim Hortons, Libro Credit Union, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), University of Windsor, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Ground Effects, YQG Windsor International Airport, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, Motor City Community Credit Union, St. Clair College Alumni Association, HD Development Group, WindsorEssex Community Foundation, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Trillium Machine and Tool Inc., Paul Davis Property Restoration Experts, Tucker Electric, AM800 CKLW, windsoriteDOTca News, and The Windsor Star.

The Giving Spirit

Encouraging Windsor’s incredible charitable spirit was a priority once again this year, and each week, there was a designated hut to showcase a Community Giving Partner. Charities we welcomed this season included H.I.A Harmony in Action, DAT Optimist Club, Windsor Regional Hospital, Feeding Windsor Essex, and Brentwood Recovery Home. In addition, W.E. Care for Kids were onsite with hot chocolate on weekends for the event duration.  

Jackson Park to Re-open in Phases

The focus now shifts to removal of the event displays and equipment, which 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.

Looking ahead, if you are interested in becoming a vendor for Bright Lights Windsor 2026, we’d love to hear from you! Please email brightlights@citywindsor.ca to be added to the mailing list.

Quote:

“Bright Lights Windsor has become a truly special tradition for Windsorites, and it was wonderful to welcome the festival back again this year. From new displays and installations to the returning favourite zones and points of interest, it was another season to remember at Jackson Park. On behalf of City Council and the City of Windsor, thanks to the sponsors, partners, vendors, artists and artisans, staff and organizers, charitable giving partners, residents and visitors, and everyone that participated and made this another perfect holiday experience for the community. As always, we look forward to welcoming folks back in December of this year.” 
– Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

To learn more, visit www.BrightLightsWindsor.ca or contact 311.

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