Playlist, Holiday Express and more: What you need to know about this year’s River of Lights show in Brockville
Brockville’s beloved River of Lights show is back this year on Blockhouse Island beginning Saturday, Nov. 30.
“Our show is different from other light shows you will see in the region; our technicians spend hours and hours programming each song in the show to choreograph the lights to sync up to the music, and don’t think that there is anything quite like it anywhere nearby,” the city says in a media release.
The free shows will run every night all December long, until Jan. 6. The full show choreographed to music starts at 6 p.m. and runs on a loop until 10 p.m. The first and final hours (between 5 and 6 p.m., and 10 and11 p.m.) feature a softer light show without the music, more suitable for someone with sensory concerns or people who like a calmer experience.
Some people prefer to park and watch the show, while others do laps of Blockhouse Island, catching the show from every angle.
“If you choose to drive around, please be careful of other cars and pedestrians,” the city advises. “While the show is meant to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, some people do get out to walk around, so please keep a sharp eye out for them.”
Those who choose to stay in their car can set up for a comfy viewing experience by bringing pillows, blankets, and snacks.
Similar to a drive-in movie theatre, folks are asked to turn off their headlights when they park so as not to affect viewers on the other side of the show area.
The Aquatarium’s soft-tired train, decked out in lights and for the holidays and renamed the “Aquatarium Holiday Express” takes attendees on train rides around the show grounds on select nights (including opening night). This is a unique take on the show, and kids in particular are big fans, though adults can ride too. Bundle up if you go this route, as it can be chilly and windy on Blockhouse Island in the winter and train cars are open to the elements. Hot chocolate is available on site. The train loads near the tunnel on Blockhouse Island Parkway. Check the Aquatarium’s social media in advance, as they cannot run in all weather situations, and you don’t want to have disappointed children on your hands! Buy tickets in advance or on site for only $10 per person.
The playlist for the show is as follows:
- All I want for Xmas (Mariah Carey)
- Bring me love (John Legend)
- Carol of the Bells (Lindsey Stirling)
- Frosty The Snow Man (Michael Bublé)
- Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)
- Let It Go (Frozen, Elsa)
- Little Drummer Boy (Lonestar)
- Miracle of Light (8th Day)
- Mistletoe (Justin Bieber)
- No Roots (Alice Merton)
- Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
- Thunder (Imagine Dragons)
- We three gentlemen (L. Sterling)
- Xmas every day (Simple Plan)
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies (Lindsey Stirling)
- Merry Christmas (Ed Sheeran & Elton John)
- Merry Christmas Everybody (Slade)
- You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
- Last Christmas (Wham) – Voted into the show by last year’s attendees!