New Brunswick’s Kings Landing sees the light with new illuminated Christmas event

New Brunswick's Kings Landing will be seen in a whole new light this holiday season.

Kings Landing will be seen in a whole new light this holiday season.

‘Christmas Village Aglow’ includes tens of thousands of lights strung all around the New Brunswick historical village, which aims to provide an authentic look at 19^th century life along the Saint John River.

“Yes, we know Christmas lights didn’t exist 200 years ago,” says Melissa Lansing, the business development and marketing manager at Kings Landing. “We’re using the lights to highlight the buildings themselves, to honour the buildings.”

Lansing says thoughtful discussions were held by staff about how to display the lights, including a debate about whether a single colour or multiple colour lights should be used. Ultimately, a mix of lights have been wound around some of the site’s most iconic structures – including the wooden sawmill and Kings’s Head Inn.

Work to install the lights began in mid-October, but logistical work has been underway for well over a year. Lights have been tailor-made to fit around individual windows and door frames, with the hope it will become an annual tradition.

“We’re seeing support both from people who are longstanding Kings Landing fans, and then people who either maybe never been or haven’t been in a long time,” says Lansing. “We’re giving them another reason to come back and enjoy Kings Landing.”

• IN PICTURES: Christmas Village Aglow at the Kings Landing Historical Settlement

Along with it being the first illuminated light event in Kings Landing’s 51-year history, there will be an opportunity this month for vehicles to drive through a portion of the village – something the public isn’t usually permitted to do.

“We want everyone to be able to have a chance to see the lights for themselves, even if they can’t make the walk,” says Lansing.

Indoor activities are also featured, including caroling inside St. Mark’s Church, craft making inside Ingraham House, and photo opportunities with Santa or Mrs. Claus (depending on the day).

‘Christmas Village Aglow’ runs Wednesday to Sunday until Dec. 21, with two additional days on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Timed tickets for the event can only be purchased online.

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