Ontario town will shut down streets for a holiday festival and fireworks show

Festival of Lights in Bracebridge, Ontario, is kicking off its annual holiday attraction with quite the bang this year — no pun intended!

The event transforms downtown Bracebridge into a festive escape, kicking off with a dazzling fireworks display and offering nightly programming leading up to the holiday season.

Organized by The Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Festival of Lights launches on Nov. 20 with an evening of activities curated to set the tone for the upcoming holiday season.

Opening night will feature live performances, food vendors, living windows, and a visit from Santa. Visitors can also expect a holiday train, local vendors, and plenty of hot chocolate, with the evening culminating in a fireworks show at 8 p.m.

With fireworks permitted in town only on select days throughout the year, the display will be a special treat for those who enjoy watching the skies light up in brilliant colours.

Downtown Bracebridge will become a pedestrian-friendly zone for the festivities, allowing locals and visitors to explore shops and take part in the evening's activities. The opening celebration, officially called the Moonlight Shopping Party and Street Festival, will run from 6 to 9 p.m., giving visitors extra time to browse downtown businesses.

Attendees can also bring a new, unwrapped toy for the event's toy drive.

The holiday fun continues until Dec. 4, with daily activities including an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt throughout downtown. Visitors can search for hidden holiday characters in participating businesses for a chance to win one of three $50 Shop the Bridge gift cards.

Shoppers can also take part in the Let It Glow holiday window display contest, which invites the public to vote for their favourite decorated storefront for a chance to win a gift card.

Guests are also welcome to roam the streets for festive photo opportunities and a lit-up downtown Bracebridge, just in time for what many call "the most wonderful time of year."

Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 20 to Dec. 4, with the annual Santa Claus Parade officially wrapping up this year's attraction.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4 and proceed through Manitoba Street with illuminated floats and entertainment keeping the Christmas cheer alive!