November 16, 2022 at 7:15 am
Later this week, Londoners looking to get into the festive spirit will be able to do so at a sanctuary in the city’s southwest.
On Friday, the Magic of Lights drive-thru holiday light show returns to the Longwoods Road Conservation Area. For the second year in a row, the 1.8-kilometre festive display brought festive spirit to the area’s residents.
“We’ve known from last year what the audience liked best,” said Kyla Woodcock, founder of Woodlo Productions Inc., which is exhibiting. “So we’re bringing back all the fan favorites, and we’ve also added some new displays that I think will dazzle the kids.”
Pay homage to traditional toys, winter wonderlands and enchanting tunnels of light during the drive-through spectacular display.
“It’s unbelievable to see the wonder in the children’s eyes on the show,” Woodcock said. “A lot of families have had their kids stick their heads out of the window … it’s so slow, it’s safe to enjoy the show that way. . Just seeing the sparkle in their eyes and hearing them whisper about their favorite monitors is really, really heartwarming.”
The Longwoods Road Conservation Area was one of only four locations in Canada chosen to host the event. Ottawa, Barrie and Edmonton, Alberta are other locations.
Tickets to the show start at $23 per vehicle, with limited numbers per night. While some tickets will be sold at the door, those interested in attending the show are advised to purchase online in advance. Some of the money raised from ticket sales will go to help local charities including the Thames Valley Conservation Service and the United Way of Middlesex in Elgin.
“We’ve also created a fundraising scheme where local home and school associations who are part of the Thames Valley and London area Catholic school boards can sell tickets to Magic Lights as a fundraiser for their schools,” Woodcock said. “So this year we’re expanding our nonprofit giving in a different way, and we’re excited to do so.”
Last year’s event raised $10,000 for the United Way.
Magic of Lights will be open nightly from 5:30pm to 10pm through January 8th. Ticket holders can attend at any time during the show times of their choice for the evening.