In the bleak mid-winter when it’s cold and dark, it’s the bright, sparkly holiday lights that make the nights feel warm and cozy. But with temperatures plunging, standing outside to view them is a buzz kill.
And then there’s Borealis Lights. The third annual Borealis Lights boasts over one million LED bulbs, transforming St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park into a winter wonderland. As a drive-through park, installations are viewed from the heat and comfort of your vehicle.
Returning is a series of synchronized, animated and static displays. They range from Disney figures, woodland creatures, Santa’s elves, toy soldiers, poinsettas, Christmas symbols and massive presents.
This year’s crowning glory is a spectacular 85-foot (26 metre), cone-shaped tree one would expect to see in Las Vegas. The animated tree is built with more than 57,000 coloured LED lights including a four-foot star at the top. It is the tallest holiday tree in western Canada and surpasses Vancouver’s 76-foot Christmas tree of lights.
“After the first year of success, we were encouraged to do more. But we felt we needed something with impact to set us apart,” said Scott Machej, co-owner of CLG Displays, a commercial lighting and decorating company that organizes Borealis Lights.
“We ordered the tree from China and were expecting it last year,” Machej said. He explained the 2023 British Columbia port strike kept the tree sitting in a warehouse far too long to arrive for its planned 2023 star-studded debut.
“We’re disappointed it took so long to get here, but we’re very satisfied with it and it’s making a big splash. It’s an animated tree of light with custom stages in different colours and movement. It’s very eye-catching. Seeing it here in the capital region is quite nice, and from all the early indicators, everyone is quite happy.”
The towering giant is the first attraction visitors will experience along the light show’s traditional serpentine route. In 2023, Borealis Lights counted 18,000 vehicles driving through. This year, Machej is confident the massive tree will draw bigger crowds.
“The first year we had 15,000 vehicles. Last year we had 18,000 and it was a better market than the previous year. But there was no snow at the beginning, and it took people a long time to get in the mood. We’ve got snow on the ground now and people get to feel the full festive experience.”
The display is open daily until Jan. 5, and Santa will also visit Borealis Lights Friday and Saturday until Christmas from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $33 for standard vehicle up to nine occupants, $27 standard vehicle for seniors 65 plus, $55 for limo/passenger van up to 16 occupants, and limo/passenger van seniors $50. Buy tickets online at borealislights.ca.
