More than 10,000 vehicles cruised through Safari Lights holiday display

More than 10,000 vehicles took a drive through Safari Niagara during the recent holiday season for the annual Safari Lights celebration.

Started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a Christmas tradition for many local families, also drawing people from across Niagara and beyond.

“As we’re growing and developing each year, we’re getting more and more people from other regions,” said Safari Niagara general manager Taryn Hipkiss in an interview with Fort Erie Radio on Tuesday.

People from the U.S., as well as the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas have been making the trip.

There are about one million lights in the entire display, which is along a three-kilometre course through the paths of the zoo in Stevensville.

“It’s a labour of love” taking them down and setting them back up each year, said Hipkiss.

A toy drive took place one night in the campaign, a collaborative effort with the volunteer firefighters association in Stevensville in support of an assistance program hosted by the Stevensville Kinettes.

A food drive also collected 130 hampers worth of items for St. Vincent De Paul.

“That was really amazing,” she said.

While guests slowly cruise through the site, they can set their radio dial to a station synced with classic holiday tunes.

“It adds a little bit more to the experience,” said Hipkiss.

The 2025 Safari Niagara season begins in May and early bird passes remain available for another two weeks, Hipkiss said on Tuesday.

A season’s pass bought early is $89.95 for adults and $79.95 for seniors and children ages three to 12.

“Traditionally, we end it after Christmas, but we decided to extend it this year,” said Hipkiss.

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