Now its 12th year, the Amherstburg River Lights Festival runs for a six-week stint from mid-November to early January and receives close to 40,000 visitors.

“We really try to diversify our program offerings so there’s something for everyone,” says Sarah Van Grisven, the festival's special events coordinator. “We have a gingerbread house contest, a 5K Santa Claus run, and even a light display that doubles as a memorial.”

The vast majority of the elaborate light displays are powered by solar-sensored LED lights. Strands of these lights recharge in the daylight so they can shine at night without drawing energy from the grid.

“We really try to diversify our program offerings so there’s something for everyone,” says Van Grisven. “We have a gingerbread house contest, a 5K Santa Claus run, and even a light display that doubles as a memorial.”

“We continue to grow every year as people get their families involved,” says Van Grisven. “The festival has a big draw for couples, too.”

Enbridge has been a title sponsor of the River Lights Festival since 2014, and gave $15,000 this year to fund the festival’s opening night.

The Amherstburg River Lights Festival's annual opening night includes fireworks, outdoor movie, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and more.

While the festival is steadily growing every year and extending its demographic, Van Grisven says it’s important to Amherstburg that it maintains its smalltown vibe.

“Picture walking through hundreds of LED light displays along a riverfront,” says Van Grisven. “There are themed display areas, a life-size gingerbread house, and fireworks to top it off that reflect beautifully off the river water.”