Town launches new Holiday Lights Map online

Tool can be used to plan an evening of festive sightseeing

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Do you have an impressive holiday light display?

If you do, or are interested in viewing others around Town, you may want to check out the Town of Caledon's new Holiday Lights Map. 

It was launched on December 1 and can be accessed online on the Town's community engagement website at the following link: haveyoursaycaledon.ca/holidaylightsmap.

Several displays are already on the Town's map, such as: the Alpha Light Exhibit in Alton; a 40-foot Christmas tree in Caledon Village; holiday lights at John Clarkson Park in Southfields Village; and the festive gazebo in Palgrave. 

In a media release, Caledon Mayor Annette Groves said she's already seen some great holiday decorations in Caledon and that the new map is a fun way for residents to share their displays with the community.

“I encourage residents and visitors to consult our map, take a drive and enjoy the holiday season close to home,” said Groves.

Caledon residents and businesses are encouraged to submit their own holiday light exhibits for the Town's map. 

To do so, residents must visit the website link mentioned above and create a Have Your Say Caledon account. Then, they must take a photo of their illuminated home or business, and upload it to the map with a pin showing their display's location. 

Submissions to the map must be made by December 29, and those who make a submission will be entered to win in none of three categories: most colourful and vibrant; best-decorated business; and most festive.

The winner of the most colourful and vibrant category will receive an all-access Town of Caledon recreation membership. The winner of best-decorated business will receive a promotion and advertising package — a free quarter-page ad in the Town's spring/summer recreation guide, a business profile on the Town's business website, and a feature in the Town's business e-newsletter. The winner of the most festive category will receive a “Taste of Caledon” gift basket.

Winners of each category will be announced in January and will be contacted through the email associated with their Have Your Say Caledon account. 

Jason Schildroth, Caledon's manager of recreation and culture, said the Holiday Lights Map is all about showing pride in Caledon's neighbourhoods and downtown areas. He said it will encourage visits to parks and town squares while spreading cheer over the holidays.