The annual Cavalcade of Lights lit up for its first night Saturday at Nathan Phillips Square with an opening inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals and winter solstice celebrations.
The seasonal celebration will stay lit until Jan. 7, transforming the area around city hall.
Now that the tree is aglow with "thousands of energy-efficient bulbs," according to the city, attention is turning to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the rink at Nathan Phillips Square.
The celebration takes place Dec. 7 with a special skating party that will feature an appearance by a gold-medal winning Canadian figure skater.
Gabrielle Daleman, a member of the 2018 Olympic team figure skating championship squad, will be on hand Saturday as part of a skating showcase with members of the Forest Hill, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and West Toronto skating clubs.
The skaters will hit the ice from 5:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m., followed by a meet and greet with Daleman and skaters from TMU.
The celebration will also feature public skating with a DJ both before and after the synchronized skaters appear. The anniversary event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The public can bring their own skates or take advantage of free skate rentals courtesy of presenting sponsor Desjardins Financial Group.
The free rentals continue courtesy of Desjardins every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until Jan. 4.
The holiday season has finally begun! The #CavalcadeOfLights fill our ❤️ with light and magic. Wonderful opening night celebration with @MayorOliviaChow and @cityoftoronto. Share the magic at Nathan Phillips Square. Einen schönen ersten Advent! pic.twitter.com/lVCX6p9Uyx
— German Consulate TO (@GermanyinTO) December 1, 2024
