CLOSURES: Weekend detours for Winter Lights Festival and Santa Claus Parade in Brampton

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here and that means the return of the Winter Lights Festival and Santa Claus Parade in Brampton, leading to detours for drivers and transit riders this weekend.

This weekend marks the start of holiday and Christmas celebrations in Brampton with the kick-off of the Winter Lights Festival, a tree lighting and the annual Santa Claus Parade in Brampton.

But with so many festivities there will be some road closures throughout the weekend that will see detours for drivers and public transit users.

The Winter Lights Festival starts on Friday at 3 p.m., and the city says that Route 2 Main and the 502 Züm Main will be on a detour until around 11:30 p.m.

Then on Saturday, there will be several road closures around Queen Street and Bramalea Road for the Santa Claus Parade.

The parade route will start at the intersection of Bramalea Road and Central Park Drive, travelling north on Bramalea Road and ending at North Park Drive and Jordan Boulevard.

Closures are expected to be in place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Routes 9 Vodden, 12 Grenoble, 15 Bramalea and 19 Fernforest will be temporarily detoured.

The city says there will also be additional closures on Central Park Drive from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Route 19 Fernforest on detour, while Routes 29 Williams and 17 Howden will remain on regular routes.

Friday will also see the official lighting of the city Christmas tree in Ken Whillans Square at 6:45 p.m. More than 10,000 lights will be used to light the 60-foot tree that will be on display throughout the holiday season.

Then from 6 to 10 p.m., along Main Street, Wellington Street, Gage Park and the City Hall Atrium, participants can enjoy carolers, amusement rides, light displays and shop from vendors.

Admission is free for Friday’s events with the donation of a new unwrapped toy in support of local Brampton organizations, in partnership with the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation.

Parking downtown is available at the following locations:

• City Hall Garage
• West Tower Garage
• Market Square Garage
• Nelson Square Garage
• George Street North Surface Parking Lot
• John Street Garage