This 19th-century Ontario village will transform with over one million lights for the holidays

A 19th-century Ontario village will be illuminated by over one million twinkling lights this holiday season as the Alight at Night Festival returns to Upper Canada Village.

Located in Morrisburg, Ont., Upper Canada Village was founded as part of a heritage preservation program and recreates the rural life of the 1800s.

Each year, the Alight at Night Festival takes over the historic village, bedazzling it with lights and festive decor to transform it into a winter wonderland for visitors to enjoy.

This year, things will be no different.

Visitors can hop aboard horse-drawn carriages or the toy train — or both! — for a ride through the village, drop by the Family Activity Centre for a picture with Santa Claus, and enjoy festive dining options stationed throughout the grounds. You’ll just want to keep in mind that these activities have separate costs not included in the admission price.

Hotspots like the restaurant at Willard’s Hotel, Harvest Barn, and the classic BeaverTails are all part of the dining experience, offering plenty of options to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, ’tis the season.

The festival also features its popular Sound and Light Show. Crysler Hall will host a spectacular display of thousands of lights synchronized to themed music, setting the scene for a little seasonal magic.

And what’s a holiday outing without a little shopping? A Christmas market at the Village Store rounds out the experience, giving you the chance to browse local vendors for gifts for loved ones, while even potentially picking up a little something for yourself.

While guests are encouraged to explore the festival on foot, with free parking available on site, the village also hosts accessibility nights for visitors with limited mobility or sensory needs.

These specially designed evenings will take place on Dec. 2, 9, and 16, allowing participants to enjoy a 30-minute drive through the illuminated village without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.

The Alight at Night Festival, which is celebrating 26 years of winter magic in the Village, runs from Nov. 27 to Jan. 2.

General admission is $18 plus applicable taxes for both regular evenings and the accessibility events in December. Guests must reserve a time slot and buy tickets in advance; tickets are now available on the event website.

The festival takes over Upper Canada Village, located at 13740 County Rd. 2 in Morrisburg, Ont.

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