Celebrate
F r i d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 2 , 2 0 1 9
T h e S Ta r P h o e N i x . c o m / b r i d g e S
13
2019
A holly, jolly good time Get for Christmas with SOUL PAPER
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Orange and Rosemary Crepes with Pomegranate Honey Butter Syrup
GLOW GARDENS S A S K AT O O N ’ S
N E W E S T
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL BY JESSE GREEN
What has millions of sparkling lights, countless photo ops, and one giant feeling of holiday spirit? It’s Glow Gardens. This wonderful Christmas festival is expanding to include Saskatoon for the 2019 season, and we are ready for it! Interactive playgrounds, light gardens and illuminated play structures will capture the imaginations of young and old alike, while the live entertainment and seasonal beverages beckon from the licensed bar. Glow shines light on the magic of Christmas in a cozy venue and has events and attractions for each day of the schedule.
Founded in 2017, this has quickly grown to be the world’s largest indoor Christmas festival with locations in Canada, the US and Holland. Glow has welcomed 1.6 million guests to its Christmas markets; that is a lot of holiday spirit! “We chose Saskatoon because we thought it would be a great location for Glow Gardens in the prairie provinces,” says Shannon VanNorman, Glow Gardens’ prairie general manager. “We are really excited to expand and bring this experience to more locations.” So, lights and festive spirit aside, what is there to do at Glow Gardens? First, definitely plan to spend a while or make a few trips — this
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event is completely indoors and is spread throughout 75,000 square feet of space at Prairieland Park’s World Trade Centre. Santa’s Lost Presents is a handsdown hit with the little ones as they explore lighted trails and help the elves find lost gifts. If they discover all the lost presents they get a surprise. See the lights through your little ones’ eyes and dive into fun with interactive activities and playgrounds. The Magic Castle Playground is a fan favourite. Kids and their adults will love the castle walls and moat, LED swings and hanging lights that twinkle and change colours. Get skipping on the colour-changing hopscotch and bust a move in the musical light tunnel under the glow of 50,000 sparkling lights. Hoping to find some mistletoe with that special someone? Glow has featured date nights where from 9 p.m. on you can explore the light gardens and enjoy a festive beverage and tasty snack at the licensed bar, all elf-free. Take in the live music and shop the vendor market that will feature more than 20 local artists and artisans. Ready to pop the question? Get in touch with the team and they’ll help you set the scene for this special event! Glow Gardens donates a portion of its profits to charities from all
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Glow Gardens, at Prairieland Park, offers countless opportunities for photo ops and holiday activities for you and your family. There’s even a date night for those looking for a romantic evening among the lights. SUPPLIED PHOTO
locations. This year, Saskatoon’s Glow Gardens will give charitable donations to the Make-A-Wish® Foundation. As well, 21 different local non-profit or charitable groups will have the chance to participate in the coat check fundraising program. You will find Glow Gardens at 503 Ruth St. W, online at glowgardens.com/ saskatoon-christmas and on social media @Glow_Saskatoon.
Glow is open Nov. 21 to Dec. 28 daily, except Sundays, at Prairieland Park’s World Trade Centre. Parking is free and there are a number of entry options.Many of last year’s dates did sell out online, so purchasing in advance may be wise. If you do chance it, tickets at the door are about $2 more expensive. Season passes cover unlimited weekday visits and one weekend or statutory holiday visit and are available for purchase online. There are advance prices and discounts, so your best bet is to head over to glowgardens.com/saskatoon-christmas to see what deals are valid when you’re ready to purchase. With illuminated play structures, elf-free date nights, interactive light displays, live entertainment and an entirely indoor venue, this shiny, happy festival has something for everyone. Escape the holiday hustle and the weather and stroll, gather and play under the twinkle of the lights. Shop for that perfect one-of-a-kind gift, snap the family Christmas picture at an illuminated photo frame or let the kids blow off some steam on the playgrounds.