Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Brings Back Holiday Magic with the Holiday Lights Pass

Fan Favourite Encourages Regional Visitation Over The Holidays Season

Windsor, ON – Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is creating holiday magic once again with the return of the Holiday Lights Pass, a free digital passport that guides users to the four regional light festivals across Windsor Essex, including:

• Bright Lights Windsor at Jackson Park, opening November 28th through January 7th
• Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival at Kings Navy Yard Park and Toddy Jones Park, open November 15^th through January 4^th
• Kingsville Fantasy of Lights at Lakeside Park, opening November 15^th through January 6^th
• LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights at the LaSalle Civic Centre, opening November 22nd through January 4^th

“There is nothing more magical during the holiday season than creating memories at our light festivals — the perfect backdrop for family photos, outdoor adventure, and festive fun,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex. “Last year, over one-third of all pass users visited all four light festivals — a true sign that the Holiday Lights Pass is inspiring locals and visitors alike to explore more of our region. This year, we’re thrilled to see the program continue to grow, offering even more chances to win while spreading the holiday spirit across Windsor Essex.”

Between November 15^th and January 7^th, 2026, users can visit visitwindsoressex.com/lights and register for the Holiday Lights Pass, operated by Bandwango, for their chance to experience the holiday magic and win a $500 Devonshire Mall shopping spree.

There are 3 easy steps to earning entries:

• Step #1 – Register for the light pass
• Step #2 – Check in at a light festival to receive your entry
• Step #3 – Check in at more light festivals or upload a photo for bonus entries

The pass uses GPS technology to allow users to check in via their phone — no download required. Once at any light festival, users simply tap “Check In” to receive their entry and can upload photos for bonus chances to win, including:

• Check in at 2 light festivals – one entry
• Check in at a 3rd light festival – one bonus entry
• Check in at all 4 light festivals – five bonus entries
• Upload a photo – one bonus entry per photo

The contest runs through January 7th, 2026, with one $500 Devonshire Mall gift card grand prize. Full details are available at visitwindsoressex.com/lights.

New for 2025, Tourism Windsor Essex is adding a little extra cheer to the season with Elf on the Bar Shelf, a playful twist on the popular Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail. Meet Hops the Elf, your mischievous tour guide encouraging you to sip, sample, and shop local at participating breweries, cideries and distilleries across the region this holiday season.

“The Elf on the Bar Shelf campaign is all about having fun while supporting local,” said Jason Toner, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. “Hops the Elf encourages visitors to check in, collect points, and enjoy some of our region’s best craft beverages — while also inspiring them to shop local, explore new neighbourhoods, and make the most of the holiday season.”

Participants can find more details and register for Elf on the Bar Shelf at barrelsbottlesbrews.ca/hops, with giveaways, photo opportunities, and festive surprises waiting at every stop.

The Holiday Lights Pass and the Elf on the Bar Shelf are featured at yqgholidays.ca, the region’s largest guide to the holidays, including the 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide, the Holiday Event Guide, and more festive features.