New Additions To Bright Lights Windsor 2019 Announced

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Bright Lights Windsor starts in only three weeks and the city has announced several new additions to the hugely popular festival.

Mayor Drew Dilkens announced improvements and new events planned as part of the festival during a media event, Friday morning.

Highlights include a sensory friendly night hosted by Autism Ontario, heated washrooms, an expanded holiday market, new illuminated signage and more.

The mayor said the event’s attendance skyrocketed from 60,000 attendees in 2017 to 100,000 in 2018 — a 66% increase.  “The whole point of this was to make it a free, fun, family event where it doesn’t matter where you live in the city or how much money you make, you can come out and enjoy this festival and have a great holiday experience together,” said Dilkens.

(See photos from last year’s Bright Lights Windsor)

Event organizers adapted feedback from last year’s event, made changes and have added a number of requests to this year’s festival.

“We reviewed the many great suggestions from visitors and staff to make the experience better for everybody involved,” said Dilkens.

What’s new this year:

• Newly renovated, heated and accessible washroom building.
• New illuminated wayfinding signage to and from the parking lots, around the festival, and the theme zones now have signs (e.g. “Candy Cane Lane”.
• An expanded Canada zone with a giant “EH” and moose.
• An expanded WE Made It:  Holiday Market sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex along with the Urban Art Market, Rose City Etsy Team and WindsorEats will have more booths and will be fully open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and hours during the week for a partial market with food and beverages.
• Sensory friendly “Silent Nights” on Monday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in partnership with Autism Ontario Windsor Essex. The lights will be on, but sound will be muted, strobe elements paused and light dulling glasses available, so the display can be enjoyed in a peaceful environment that is accommodating to sensory sensitivities.
• The park will be open to walkers and joggers on Sunday mornings from 6am to 8am for fans of daytime visits to enjoy the popular park simply as a park.
• A new photo-op area near the train.
• An “Around The World” zone in partership with the Multiculutral Council that will include holiday displays from around the world (e.g. a menorah)

Opening ceremonies take place this year at 6:30pm on Friday, December 6th, after which the event runs every night from 5:30pm to 10:00pm until January 7, 2020.