The holidays sparkle in Rideau Lakes! There’s a bit of magic in lighting up the night at this time of year. Whether you have one strand in your window or your place looks like the Griswolds, here are five ways to enjoy the lights and community this season in Rideau Lakes.

Delta’s Old Stone Mill  

The Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in Delta is the definition of a Christmas spectacle. The mill windows are lit up with a trio of candles in each window, accented by a wreath. The light that shines forth is heart-warming.  The Old Stone Mill is closed for the season, but if you’re looking for a memorable holiday photo stop outside, this is it. As the only surviving pre-1812 stone grist mill in the province, it speaks to times gone by – and gives a serious boost to festive spirit!

Photo: Old Stone Mill by Ken Watson 

Old Fashioned Holiday Pageant in Newboro

Enjoy hilarious skits, holiday singing, entertaining stories and fun for the whole family! Set for Monday, December 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Newboro Community Hall will welcome neighbours and friends to celebrate the holidays with an old fashioned flare. Look for a silent auction, too! 

Delta Country Christmas

Find your festive spirit in Delta on December 23 for the ultimate Country Christmas celebration! From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., visit Delta and hop on a wagon ride starting at the Fairgrounds to tour around the village. Meet Santa at the rink and enjoy some hot chocolate. Bring the whole family for a free mac and cheese and chili dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. Following the dinner, the Yuletide Christmas Concert will take place at 6:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Delta and Area CEC, Mill Society, DARS, Delta Legion 207, Lower Beverley Lake Park, Rideau Lakes Public Library and Rideau Lakes Fire and Rescue. The holidays sparkle in Delta!

I spy… a Christmas Tree!

Shine a light on something a little different! There’s a lone memorial tree on top of Foley Mountain that is lit up every year with eye-catching lights. Looking up from below the mountain, visitors can see the tree as a bright holiday beacon - and it’s also beautiful when up at Spy Rock, peacefully overlooking Westport.

Photo: Christmas Tree on Foley Mountain by Lee Traynor (Westport Ontario Facebook Page)  

Village driving tours

Villages in Rideau Lakes shine brightly throughout the festive season! Community trees are aglow in the heart of local villages like Newboro’s tree near the cenotaph. If you’re in Newboro, be sure to stop and see the window displays at Kilborn’s On the Rideau for some extra holiday sparkle. Next, pack some hot chocolate and go for an evening drive around the villages to see colourful residential holiday light displays everywhere from Chaffeys Lock to Lombardy!

Holiday tip: Be sure to pick up a Christmas craft kit for the littles at any of the five branches of the Rideau Lakes Public Library while supplies last.

There’s something about holiday lights that spark the festive spirit. Wherever the holidays take you, revel in the festive spirit in Rideau Lakes this season!