Cavalcade of Lights Festival facts for kids
- See also, Festival of Lights
The Cavalcade of Lights is a super fun yearly event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It celebrates the start of the holiday season! The main highlight is when the official Christmas tree at Nathan Phillips Square lights up. This special event has been happening every year since 1967.
The Cavalcade of Lights usually takes place on the last weekend of November. It's a big party to kick off the holidays! The entire Nathan Phillips Square gets lit up with amazing lights. There are more than 300,000 energy-saving LED lights. These lights shine brightly every night from sunset until 11:00 p.m. throughout the holiday season.
Since 2002, the Cavalcade of Lights has grown even bigger. It's not just one night anymore! Now, it's a month-long celebration. During this time, you can enjoy Saturday night skating parties at the outdoor rink in Nathan Phillips Square. There's often live music too, which makes skating even more exciting!
In 2004, the event spread out across the city. Many neighbourhoods in Toronto started adding their own beautiful LED light displays. This made the whole city sparkle during the holidays!
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What is the Cavalcade of Lights?
The Cavalcade of Lights is a beloved tradition in Toronto. It marks the official start of the winter holiday season. The event brings people together to enjoy festive lights, music, and skating. It's a great way to feel the holiday spirit!
Where does the Cavalcade of Lights happen?
The main celebration takes place at Nathan Phillips Square. This is a large public square in the heart of downtown Toronto. It's home to Toronto's City Hall. The square transforms into a magical wonderland during the Cavalcade of Lights.
When did the Cavalcade of Lights begin?
The very first Cavalcade of Lights was held in 1967. This means it has been a cherished yearly event for over 50 years! It started as a way to celebrate the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Over the years, it has grown into a much larger festival.
Performers at the Cavalcade of Lights
Each year, the Cavalcade of Lights features talented Canadian and international performers. These artists add to the festive atmosphere with their music and shows. It's like a big concert to celebrate the holidays!
Some of the amazing performers who have been part of the Cavalcade of Lights include:
- 2005: Esthero and In Essence.
- 2006: Joel Plaskett and jacksoul.
- 2007: Kim Stockwood and Nikki Yanofsky.
- 2008: Serena Ryder and the Canadian Tenors.
- 2014: Maestro Fresh Wes and Kardinal Offishall.
