Gift of Lights returns for another year, brighter than before

Gift of Lights at Bingemans is coming back for its eighth year, starting Nov. 22. It includes two kilometres of light displays people can walk or drive through and this year, its bigger and brighter than ever.

For 2024 they’ve added more walk-only nights, more light tunnels and included some cheaper prices mid-week.

The whole display typically takes the team at Bingemans over a month to put together. President of Bingemans, Mark Bingeman, said it’s a lengthy endeavor sorting through all those lights and wires.

“Gift of Lights has really become, and it’s great to see it becoming, one of those holiday traditions that people come through,” he said, noting the popularity of the light display skyrocketed during the pandemic.

“We’ve added more light tunnels, so typically we have three or four, now I believe we’re up to six different styles of light tunnels and those are always fully immersive.”

Another fan favourite are the walk-only nights, which have grown to six nights this year, including sponsorship for charity nights that the public can attend. Those evenings include local partners like Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region, the Grand River Hospital Foundation, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and KidsAbility.

“For the walk nights we’re actually adding Rudolph’s treats, a little stop over halfway for warm drinks and treats, things like that or just to sit back and relax halfway through,” said Bingeman.

The journey this year includes two light tunnels over 150 feet long and over 300 light installations.

The community can tune into CHYM 96.7 during Gift of Lights, as nonstop holiday music begins Friday at 8 a.m.