About Vaughan Shines

The WinterLights Celebration Program is a Communities in Bloom National Competition that judges municipalities and their business partners on their achievement in developing a WinterLights Program on public, private and commercial properties. This competition is judged in December but not solely focused on Christmas celebrations. It seeks to encourage community involvement in WinterLights festivals, lights and decorations that demonstrate a continuing year around pride in the community.

The City of Vaughan continues its involvement in the CIB program by participating in the WinterLights program for the second year. The City of Vaughan has been involved in the Communities in Bloom program since 2002 and in 2005 the City was the winner of the International Communities in Bloom Award.

In 2006, Vaughan residents helped make the City's first ever participation in the WinterLights Celebration a success. The spirit of partnership was clearly shown by the participation of residents, businesses and community groups in all aspects of the program.

In 2007, the City was awarded "Five Stars" for our My Vaughan Shines program, in addition the Vaughan Public Libraries received special recognition for the family programs they developed based on various cultural celebration and winter activities.

In 2008, the City of Vaughan was awarded "Five Stars and special recognition for the Shine Appeal Program.

In 2009, the City of Vaughan was named WinterLights Celebrations National Champion.

A number of activities will be planned this year including SantaFest Parade in Maple, the Official Launch of the WinterLights Celebrations and Shine Appeal Program, WinterWonderLand Park, CPR Holiday Train, Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Carol singing in Kleinburg, My Vaughan Shines Appeal program, Food drives, heritage property light display, Mountain of Mittens - Vaughan Public Library, Festive Season Celebrations and much more.