Whether it’s the sight of snow, receiving presents and or the boxes of Ferrero Rocher, one thing’s for certain – you cannot ring in the holidays without admiring the beautiful displays of Christmas lights throughout the city.
Combine brilliant lighting creations, fireworks and an outdoor ice rink, and you’ve got the spirit of the season.
For the 43rd year, Torontonians kicked off the holiday season at none other than the Cavalcade of Lights. Presented by the good people at Scotiabank who also brought us Nuit Blanche, the event returned to Nathan Phillips Square and was stuffed like a stocking by those ready to celebrate Christmas.
The event opened up with a lovely Christmas medley before Mayor David Miller took the stage. His audience reaction can be summed up as a jar of mixed nuts. Some booed him as if he was Vince Carter, but generally most people cheered. Sure, he dropped the ball during last Summer’s City Strike, but when he first entered office, he did accomplish quite a number of projects. Plus, he’s announced this resignation, so how about we just give him a break?
Must. Refrain. From. Politics, May…
All politics aside, Miller led the countdown and Toronto’s official Christmas tree was lit up within the 7 o’clock hour. At 60-feet, the glittering evergreen stunned the crowd. This year’s tree was decorated by designer Brian Gluckstein in partnership with The Bay. The theme for the tree is “All That Glitters” and features decorations in traditional red, white and silver colours. It took a crew of four people and three days to decorate tree; all of which was well worth it, even Santa’s elves would be proud.
Last Saturday night, City TV’s Meteorologist Michael Kuss and CHUM 104.5 radio personality Maie Pauts co-hosted the event with a musical line-up filled with Canada’s most talented musicians. Performances by Steven Page, former front man for the Barenaked Ladies, and now solo artist, performed a Chanukah song. Canadian “Crooner” Matt Dusk, Juno-Award winning pop singer Keshia Chante, and electro-pop rockers Fritz Helder and the Phantoms (whose band members remind me an awful lot of the Black Eyed Peas) all performed their own hits and Christmas favourites.
The weather itself couldn’t have been any better. In fact Toronto is about to set a new record. We’re approaching a snow-free November, and the last time the GTA was ever so was blessed, dates back to 1937. That was the year Walt Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just to give you some historical perspective.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t track it.” How’s that for a little Michael Kuss?
The opening ceremony wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display above city hall. In all honesty, it was probably one of the best fireworks shows I’ve ever seen in the city. If you missed it, boy did you miss out.
Fortunately, I thought of those who couldn’t make it out and captured it all. Here’s how the night played out, with of course my commentary. If you like fireworks, you’re in for a sure treat starting at 3:58 into the clip.
A big thank you to Robin who accompanied me to the event and more so, for being my camerawoman! You are a gem!
It didn’t end there. The night was topped with a skating party with background tunes provided by DJ Tony Sutherland, who did a stellar job getting those on the ice bumping and side-liners jumping. The famous outdoor skating rink was also decked out by the illuminating Freedom Arches. A must-see galore of lights.
If you do not have a pair of skates, you are able to rent. In exchange for the rental however, you must provide some form of photo identification. So, be sure to bring along your driver’s license or health card if renting is your only option. An indoor change room is also available to visitors. In case you’re wondering, the rink itself is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.
Now, not to worry if you missed out on Saturday’s party, because the Cavalcade of Lights festivities continue for the next three Saturdays. All of which will have concerts by other Canadian musical acts beginning at 7:00 p.m., and skating parties to dance tunes by popular Toronto DJ’s to follow.
For more information, visit the City of Toronto‘s web site for a list of the fireworks, free concerts and skating parties to come.
I’ll see you on the ice, Ice Ice Baby!
Nice!! I wish I was there for the lights. Can’t wait to check out the tree once I’m in Toronto, though.