Christmas lights Windsor, Canada – A 2021 review

Let’s take a visit to the Christmas lights in Windsor at Jackson Park!

Windsor is a small town on the Canada – USA border in southern Ontario. It is the closest Canadian town to neighbouring Detroit and is the hub of many automotive companies.

Even though the town only has an average population of 340,000 people, that’s not to say they can’t hold fun holiday celebrations.

Table of Contents

• No lights in 2020
• It’s open!
• How long is it on for?
• The windsor christmas light themes
• Location
• Christmas Market

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No lights in 2020

2020 was difficult for many people, especially during the festive season. A time when many people would spend time with family and friends, that was instead restricted due to the covid-19 situation. 

These restrictions meant many public events could not take place due to safety precautions. Many festive public events were cancelled. Lots of locals were disappointed. 

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It’s open!

Fast-forward to 2021 and the city of Windsor is back in full swing opening up the Bright lights festival for locals and tourists alike.  Due to the missed year last year, the city had a much bigger budget for 2021 to make up for it and really outdid themselves. 

With thousands of lights, multiple displays and a huge Christmas tree covered in lights in the middle of this large park in Windsor, this is a great way for people to enjoy the festivities.

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How long is it on for?

The display of festive lights will be lighting up the popular Jackson Park from the evening of December 2nd until January 9th 2022. That’s 38 days (almost 6 weeks!) in which Windsorites will have a chance to enjoy the Christmas lights in the Windsor Wonderland. 

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Is there an entry cost?

No! The city is doing the light show for free, but you have the option to purchase things from the festive holiday market.

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The windsor christmas light themes

The city hasn’t just aimlessly put lights up, oh no, instead they have created a series of ‘themes’ with the Christmas lights in Windsor. The themes include:

You can walk through the 6 sections (not forgetting the Christmas tree right in the centre of them all) following a one way route throughout the park. This was the best way to prevent congestion in the crowds and keep people travelling in one direction.

Location

If you are a local, Jackson Park is located at 125 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario

If you are travelling from outside of the county, Windsor is about as south as you can go in Canada, and lies right on the Canada-US border next to detroit. 

The festival will take place every evening from 5.30pm until 10pm each day, and is fun for all ages.

Christmas Market

Of course, no Christmas festivities are complete without a holiday market! At the main entrance to the park (off of Tecumseh Road) you’ll find the different vendors all lined up. There are food stalls including:

• Caramel Corn in a large bag
• Churros (chocolate, strawberry filled or regular)
• Hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed candy cane
• Large soft pretzels

If you are looking to purchase physical items instead of edible ones, you have everything from:

• Knitted housewares
• Hand-made jewellery
• Marble housewares (placemats, coasters etc)
• Winter wear (gloves, hats and scarves)

And much more! This is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Plus, if you are new to Windsor (like me) you will have the chance to chat to the Tourist Information booth who have set up shop at the market too. This is great if you need to find other fun activities during your visit to Canada’s most southern town.

Overall, a fun way to kill some time on a cold winter night in Windsor. Surprisingly more fun that light shows put up by larger cities!

Want to visit Canada long term? Go on a working holiday visa!