Ottawa glows at the Alight at Night Festival

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 18 October 2012 16:22

Individuals who travel to Ontario for the holidays should throw on their warmest winter coat and head to the Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village, about a one-hour’s drive south of town. The charming 1860s living museum looks like a picture-perfect postcard as the main square, along with all of the residential areas surrounding it, get into the holiday spirit by glowing brilliantly with bright lights and colourful Christmas decorations. Beginning on November 30 through the first week of January, visitors can walk along the streets and feel as though they've been taken to an idyllic and bucolic winter wonderland.

More than just lights
There's more to the Alight at Night Festival than just glowing buildings. Children can hop onboard an adorable toy train and choo choo their way around the town with mom and dad. There will even be horse-drawn carriages so that romancing couples can share a special moment - or a dozen - as they trot through the lovely streets. Carriage riders will be given a thick wool blanket so they can get cozy while sipping a mug of hot chocolate or cider.

Visitors who think they have what it takes to build an ornate and elaborate gingerbread house should enter the 4th annual Canadian Gingerbread House Championship, which will pit the best designers in a head-to-head competition for the top prize. Students at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute will also put their delicate creations on display so that visitors can take photos and ogle these masterpieces.

Singing that favourite carol
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," "The Christmas Song" and "Jingle Bells" are only some of the songs carollers will be singing during the Alight at Night Festival. Travellers are invited to sing along and join in the fun during select evenings in Christ Church. No matter which night they attend the event, visitors will undoubtedly have holiday tunes ringing in their ears.

Holiday treats
Eggnog, spiced pies, homemade cinnamon buns and all kinds of other holiday treats will fill the air with tantalizing scents during the fest. Visitors can purchase all of their favourite sweets to bring back to Ottawa accommodations for an evening of feasting and spending time with loved ones.