Christmas is all about the warm glow of lights.
Nowhere does it better than Christmas Glow at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery Barrie, where you can stroll under the twinkle of a million lights through nearly 9,300-square-metres of lighted sculptures. One word sums it up: joyous.
In Ontario’s largest Christmas festival, visitors embark on a round-the-world trek to the exotic locales of Britain, France, India, Mexico, China and Holland, brought to life by illuminated iconic landmarks such as London Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the famous Mayan step pyramids of the Yucatan. Each one represents an Instagram-worthy photo op.
Christmas Glow is the brainchild of Langley B.C.’s Darvonda Nurseries, which began the illuminated and fully-indoor celebration of all things Christmas a few years ago as a way of encouraging agri-tourism during the winter months.
Buoyed by the festive spirit, the event has taken a life of its own, with more than 100,000 people visiting each season. Glow Barrie is the first expansion of the yuletide festival outside of British Columbia.
“Visitors experience so many highlights as they travel the globe, including a traditional phone booth in England that kids (can) play in, a recreated French café in front of the Eiffel Tower — be sure to stop for a photo — and, my favourite, a koi pond in China complete with brilliantly colured fish, giant water lilies, and dozens of Chinese lanterns hanging above,” explains Crystal Koskinen, the set designer for Grease on stage who was tapped to bring this artistic vision to life.
Stamp your passport as you travel the world shopping at a Christmas market, listening to live entertainment, and thrilling at interactive activities, such as giant LED swings that change colour as you sit on them, illuminated picture frames perfect for Christmas-card family photos, and a forest of dangling lights to race through.
The final destination of your Christmas journey is, quite rightfully, the North Pole and a visit with the Jolly Old Elf himself.
“Everything is magical — the lights, the festive scenes, and especially the happy people with wide smiles on their faces,” enthuses Koskinen. “It’s pure Christmas”
We find comfort and joy in many things during the holidays — cuddling up in the glow of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh evergreens, and memories made with our children. These traditions are all part of a memorable evening at Christmas Glow, an event that elevates the term merry and bright to new festive heights.
Just the Facts
Location: 4346 County Road 90, Springwater (just east of Barrie)
Dates: Until Jan. 6 (closed Mondays and Dec. 24, 25 and 26)
Cost (tickets vary at the gate): $16.99 for children and seniors; $22.99 for adults; $69.99 for a family package (two adults and three kids); free for children three and under. To purchase, visit the ticket website.
For more information: glowgardens.com
