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
Portland Christmas in the Village
Delta Country Christmas
Find your festive spirit in Delta on Saturday, December 21 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 dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Yuletide Christmas Concert will take place starting at 4 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. This event is sponsored by the Delta and Area CEC, Delta Mill Society, DARS, Delta Legion 207, SPACC, United and Baptist Churches, Lower Beverley Lake Park, Rideau Lakes Public Library and Rideau Lakes Fire and Rescue. The holidays sparkle in Delta!
Santa is coming to Newboro
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 North Crosby and Westport.
Photo: Christmas Tree on Foley Mountain by Lee Traynor (Westport Ontario Facebook Page)
Delta displays
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. 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!
Window displays
If you’re in Newboro, be sure to stop and see the lovely window displays at Kilborn’s On the Rideau for some extra holiday sparkle. The Tipped Ship in Elgin also has windows aglow with festive displays to get into the spirit.
Holiday tip: Be sure to pick up a free Christmas craft kit for the littles at any of the five branches of the Rideau Lakes Public Library after Dec. 9, 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!
