Londoners looking to get into the festive spirit will be able to do so at a conservation area southwest of the city later this week.
The Magic of Lights drive-through holiday light show returns to the Longwoods Road Conservation Area on Friday. This is the second year the festive display that stretches 1.8-kilometres has brightened the holidays for residents across the region.
"We know from last year what the crowd's favourites were," said Kyla Woodcock, founder of Woodlo Productions Inc., the company putting on the display. "So we brought back all the fan favourites and we've added some new displays too that I think will dazzle the kids."
Among the displays featured at the drive-thru spectacular will be a tribute to traditional toys, winter wonderland and an enchanted tunnel of lights.
"It is unbelievable to see the amazement in the eyes of the kids that come through the show," said Woodcock. "Lots of families let their kids sort of put their head out the window... It is so slow moving that it is safe to enjoy the show that way. Just to see the sparkle in their eyes and hear their little voices talking about which display they loved the most, it is just really, really heart warming."
Longwoods Road Conservation Area is one of only four sites in Canada selected to host the event. Ottawa, Barrie, and Edmonton, Alberta are the other locations.
Tickets to view the display start at $23 per vehicle with only a limited number available each evening. While some tickets will be sold at the gate, it is recommended those interested in attending the display purchase them online in advance. A portion of the money raised through ticket sales will go to help location charities including the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and United Way Elgin Middlesex.
"We've also created a fundraising program where local home and school associations, who are part of Thames Valley and London District Catholic school boards, can sell tickets to the Magic of Lights as a fundraiser for their school," said Woodcock. "So there are different ways this year we are expanding our non-profit giving and we are so happy to do so."
Last year's event raised $10,000 for the United Way.
Magic of Lights will be open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 8. Ticket holders are permitted to attend anytime during show hours on their selected night.
