Cavalcade of Lights Returns to Toronto, Lighting Up Nathan Phillips Square with “Shine” Theme
Toronto – The City of Toronto is gearing up to dazzle residents and visitors once again with the annual Cavalcade of Lights, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group. Set against this year’s theme, Shine, the event will transform Nathan Phillips Square into a holiday wonderland, blending cultural performances, light installations, and family-friendly activities.
The festivities will kick off with the arrival of Toronto’s official Christmas tree on Tuesday, November 12. The massive 55- to 60-foot white spruce, sourced from Bancroft, Ontario, will be decorated with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights and more than 500 sparkling ornaments. The tree, a traditional centerpiece for the event, will stand throughout the season as a symbol of warmth and community spirit before being recycled into mulch for Toronto’s spring tree-planting projects.
City of Toronto kicks off holiday season with Cavalcade of Lights and arrival of the Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree
News Release: https://t.co/4OIs9Zi8tY pic.twitter.com/kbXNrXDkzF
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 8, 2024
The main event on Saturday, November 30, from 5 to 9 p.m., will officially launch Cavalcade of Lights for 2024. Throughout the evening, guests will experience a vibrant display of music, performances, and light installations celebrating Toronto’s diverse culture. Highlights include performances from Zaynab Wilson Mozayik featuring African, Calypso, and R&B music; circus artistry by Zero Gravity Circus; dragon dances by Northern Legs Southern Fists; and global sounds from Moskitto Bar. At 6:40 p.m., a tree-lighting ceremony will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square, marking the season’s start, followed by a DJ-led skating party. Canadian National medalists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud will also showcase their skills on the rink, adding an extra sparkle to the night.
For those seeking more seasonal magic, the lights and holiday ambiance will continue at Nathan Phillips Square through January 7, 2025.
The celebrations also include a special 60th Anniversary Skating Party on Saturday, December 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. Honoring six decades of winter memories at the iconic rink, the event will feature a DJ skating party with free skate rentals, and a showcase performance by Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Daleman, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group.
The Cavalcade of Lights is made possible by the contributions of various sponsors, including presenting sponsor Desjardins Financial Group and event sponsors Snow T.O., Toronto Hydro, 95 Developments, and the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Media partners CHUM 104.5, CP24, Toronto Star, and Virgin Radio are also supporting the event.
For more details on Cavalcade of Lights, visit the City of Toronto’s website: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cavalcade-of-lights.
SOURCE City of Toronto
