Christmas Magic returns to Victoria Park
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg is excited to announce that the 24th annual Christmas Magic in Cobourg display of dazzling lights – an estimated 180,000 this year – will be launched Nov. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m.
There's extra cause to celebrate this year, as the display returns to the place it all began – Victoria Park.
The Lighting Up Ceremony will see everyone gather around beautiful Victoria Hall on King Street, where a Winter Wonderland theme designed by maintenance staff will be revealed. A guided walk will begin shortly thereafter, down Second Street, through Rotary Waterfront Park and on to Victoria Park. The atmosphere will be set with festive music, a guest appearance by Santa Claus at the Victoria Park bandshell, and horse-drawn wagon rides through Downtown Cobourg.
The route – which is both walkable and driveable - highlights a connection to the downtown with a variety of displays throughout, including spiral trees, holiday cut-outs for children, holiday vignettes, reindeer and other festive animals.
In the town's press release Councillor Adam Bureau (Co-ordinator of Arts, Culture and Tourism) said they are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to ringing in another beautiful Christmas Magic display.
“Our small town turns heads and hearts with the magic that is created by so many individuals giving their time and talent to the events display – thank you!” Bureau said.
Among the many trees in Victoria Park, the big 30-ft. Christmas tree will create a beautiful landmark glittering in the evening darkness with its 3,000-plus lights. This tree was generously donated by Councillor Brian Darling and his wife Lillian.
DJ Dominic will be blasting festive music, and a special surprise is in store for all in attendance.
And for those who want a candle to light the way on the guided walk, bring along a non-perishable food donation for the food bank to trade for one from the Cobourg Police Service.
This is not the only attraction of the evening. Habitat For Humanity Northumberland's annual Gingerbread Festival begins at 5 p.m. on King Street West next to the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank display. They will distribute gingerbread cookie kits to children that were baked by Dutch Oven and sponsored by the Town of Cobourg.
The Downtown Business Improvement Area has its Christmas Market that weekend, with the Nov. 22 grand opening from 5 to 9 p.m. (with Satuday hours also, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). This outdoor bazaar features pop-up storefronts, live music, seasonal vendors and family activities, as well as cozy holiday-themed lounge areas where you can enjoy warm cider and hot chocolate (and take advantage of the gift-wrapping station). For more information, visit www.downtowncobourg.ca.
Then there's Santa. The jolly gent will make his first appearance at the Victoria Park bandshell, then make his way downtown for the DBIA Christmas Market.
The success of Christmas Magic is largely due to thousands of hours donated by volunteers, town staff, councillors and Mr. Davis's woodworking class at Cobourg Collegiate Institute. The Cobourg Police also supply a large number of volunteers for the opening ceremony.
Other generous sponsors include Cameco, G2G series Inc. (the Ginny & Georgia Netflix series), Iron Wood Tree and Landscaping, Lakefront Utility Services and Wharram Tree Service Ltd.
The Christmas Magic display can be enjoyed from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, from Nov. 22 through February.
