Toronto – Today, the 57th annual Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Group is illuminaing Nathan Phillips Square. It features a joyous opening night celebration with free entertainment, live performances and art installations representing more than 15 communities and cultures with inspiration from Christmas, winter solstice and lantern festivals from around the world. The official lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30pm. At 6:30 p.m, Mayor Olivia Chow will be on stage with Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York), Councillor Anthony Peruzza (Humber River-Black Creek), Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood) and Benaaz Irani, Senior Vice-President, Desjardins Agent Network.
Highlights include:
- 3:00 p.m.: Welcome and blessing by Indigenous Elder Cat Criger
- 3:30 p.m.: Performance by the Toronto Chinese Orchestra
- 5:00 p.m.: Skating showcase with Team Trinity featuring Olympian and two-time National Champion, Madeline Schizas
- 6:30 p.m.: Official lighting ceremony for the Christmas Tree and Nathan Phillips Square
- 7:00 p.m.: Fire performance by Hoop You with music by Zaki Ibrahim
- 9:00 p.m.: Folk dances combined with western street dance by T.S.D. Crew from Taiwan.
Cavalcade of Lights will continue until Sunday, January 7, 2024. Full program details and road closure information is available on the Cavalcade of Lights webpage: www.toronto.ca/cavalcade.