Sections Search Subscribe Sign In Advertisement Breadcrumb Trail Links News Local News Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst "a must see event" Author of the article: Brian Thompson Publishing date: Dec 03, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 3 minute read • Join the conversation Shari and Rory Stubbs take a selfie in a gazebo at the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst that lit up for the first time this season on Friday. PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMPSON /The Expositor Article content The grounds at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant came alive with a vast array of colourful Christmas lights on Friday evening. Advertisement STORY CONTINUES BELOW Article content “We’ve had a really long year, and it’s nice to get back together in-person,” said Brantford city councillor John Sless prior to a countdown to switch on the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst. Now in its ninth year, Sless said the annual holiday light display is “a must-see event in our city.” Unlike the 2020 edition when visitors had to remain in their vehicles and drive through the grounds, people are able to walk amongst the displays this year. “We live right around the corner. This is our park,” said Shari Stubbs as she took a selfie with her husband Rory in a gazebo adorned with red and white light strings. “We get to walk it this year. We come almost every night if we’re able, for an after-dinner walk.” Staff from the City of Brantford’s Parks Services spent about one month hanging lights and creating displays with an estimated 90,000 lights on the expansive property. Andrea Blint and Nathan Armstrong brought their four-year-old daughter Carly to see the lights Friday night. Andrea Blint and Nathan Armstrong brought their four-year-old daughter Carly to see the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst on Friday. PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMPSON /The Expositor “I was here a couple of times before we had her,” Blint said. “It’s magical to come with a little one. The peacock is my favourite. It’s beautiful.” A large light sculpture in the shape of a peacock is one of the favourite displays for people attending the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst that continues until New Year’s Day in Brantford. PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMPSON /The Expositor Inside the gallery, people were able to view the Vibrant Palette Student Exhibit featuring more than 300 artworks created by area school children in kindergarten through to Grade 12. People view more than 300 artworks by area school children in the Vibrant Palette Student Exhibit. PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMPSON /The Expositor The gallery will only be open on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. between now and Christmas to view the exhibit. While admission to the gallery is free, donations are accepted. Additionally, bins will be on site for the collection of canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Brantford Food Bank. Advertisement STORY CONTINUES BELOW Article content Sunday, December 5 is Lansdowne Night at the Lights with Santa and other costumed seasonal characters welcoming visitors and registered clients of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. The latter will receive presents from the centre in a safe, drive-thru manner. The Golden Teapot is accepting reservations for twilight tea bookings throughout the month of December so patrons can enjoy a high tea experience while viewing the lighted grounds. R&J Theatrics will present It’s A Wonderful Life Radio Play in the Glenhyrst Coach House on Saturday, December 11 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online at www.glenhyrst.ca Vaccine passports are required to attend the performance, and patrons must wear a mask throughout the show. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Nova Vita Women’s Services. Brantford Rotary Clowns will greet visitors on Wednesday, December 15, accepting donations for Rotary-supported charities that include the Why Not Youth Centre, Boys and Girls Club, and Lansdowne Children’s Centre. An estimated 36,000 people drove through last year’s Brantford Lights in what has become an annual tradition for many. A variety of light sculptures, illuminated trees and other displays are part of the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst that continues until New Year’s Day at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant in Brantford. PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMPSON /The Expositor Parking is limited on the grounds, and is not allowed on Ava Road. “We encourage people to drive the park when parking is busy,” said gallery director Ana Olson. “We have a new parking crew which will be more efficient in getting more cars parking and alert people when new spots become available.” The 16-acre property — once owned by Edmund Cockshutt, a son of Cockshutt Plow Company magnate Ignatius Cockshutt – was bequeathed to the City of Brantford in 1956 for all Brantford residents to enjoy. The Brantford Lights began in 2012 when Joysey Street resident Jeff MacDonald moved his extensive light display to the gallery’s grounds at 20 Ava Road. The Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst will be illuminated nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. until January 1, 2022. bethompson@postmedia.com Share this article in your social network LATEST NATIONAL STORIES Advertisement NEWS NEAR SIMCOE THIS WEEK IN FLYERS COMMENTS Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. 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