Laval has it’s own LED light show!
The Laval light show, Illumi, is the latest creation from entertainment company Cavalia, which specializes in touring innovative shows. You may know them from their acclaimed horse show Cavalia.
Starting November 1st the Illumi show will run until January 5, 2020 on the Cavalia site at the intersection of Highway 15 and Saint- Martin Boulevard.
Illumi in Laval
Illumi promises to be a village of lights that will outshine anything ever done, and possibly give Cirque a run for it’s money. On top of 10 million LED lights, one thing that will appeal to audiences is the interactive nature of the show. Drawing upon their expertise in high technology, multimedia and special effects Illumi is a magical and unique experience with over 40,000 M2. To put it in terms Canadians will get, that’s around 30 ice hockey rinks. The immersive labyrinth of lights will be interactive with your presence triggering light-cues that will animate the site.
As part of the Quebec government’s effort to promote Quebec products and tourism on an international level, Illumi received a $2 million subsidy. THe project also received $200,000 in support in equal shares from the Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Laval. Will all the support and efforts being made this event will surely draw large crowds of tourists to Montreal and specifically the Laval area.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
In our house we have a debate about when to start spreading the Holiday spirit. My husband believes it should only be after his birthday (December 5th). Myself and my daughter believe you should celebrate all year long! Beginning in November Illumi will be a great place to get in the holiday spirit. Not only do you get to walk around outside with crisp air, but you will be surrounded with twinkling lights that will make you want to go decorate a Christmas tree.
As you walk through the site you will get the sense you are in a European holiday village in the Market Square where you can ride a merry-go-round or view building representing designs from Belgium, France and Germany.
If that wasn’t enough check out Santa’s workshop complete with reindeer, sugar canes and snowmen! Of course there will be a chance to meet Santa too. For those of you wanting to get some holiday shopping done there will be a Christmas market with merchants, craftspeople and gourmet goods; plus a ginormous tree made of lights.
NOTE: If you just want to come do some shopping, access to the market is FREE!
Laval light show llumi: the largest illuminated village in the world
Visitors can walk, at their own pace, between eight worlds created to inspire wonder and magic. They Each world draws inspiration from from cultures around the world and creates an unforgettable experience.
- The Multicolored Savanna lets you walk through a safari of wild African animals.
- The Boulevard is a district where Hollywood, sports and travel the world will inspires you to dream big. There is also talk to be a sugar shack and Choir house here too.
- The Magic Lanterns is full of imperial dragons, emperors and asian influences, which thankfully include one of my favorite animals: pandas!
- The Christmas village offers you shopping, food and the worlds largest Tree of Lights.
- In the centre of the Market Square, you can mount a magical white horse on a magical Merry-Go-Round.
- At Feliz Navidad you can dance to the mariachis and admire exotic insects, including tarantulas.
- South and North come together at the Infinite Poles. Here you will find frozen landscapes, penguins and igloos.
- The Brightest Star brings you through the site where screens will be set up to share a star-light tale as you follow siblings on a journey to find the light that makes Christmas come alive. The combined multimedia sound and lights will catapult you into a nighttime outdoor world of light structures and fantasy.
Tickets
Tickets range in pricing from $12-$20 and you can purchase them from their website here. If you want a less public bathroom check out the VIP option or the VIP+ which also has a hot and cold buffet lunch. If you are going as a family don’t miss the family pass which gives you reduced rates on tickets.
NOTE: If you go at 4:00 p.m. tickets are at a reduced rate.
Visitors can also help create the soundtrack as they select the music on their walkabout.
Want to watch them build the site?
If you drive by the site now you can see it being assembled and it already looks amazing at night. If your not in the area check out the Illumi facebook page or Instagram to follow the progress as the village comes to life.
What you need to know:
- There will be free shuttles running between Station Montmorency and the site of Illumi, so getting there is as easy as hopping on the Orange line.
- On site parking is available at cost of $10 per vehicle.
- While you can walk at your own pace they expect it to take 90 to 120 minutes to tour Illumi.
- The Illumi site is accessible to people with reduced mobility and they have a passenger drop-off area for specialized transit.
- Starts November 1st 2019 from 4 to 10 p.m.. and runs until January 5, 2020.
- Address: 2805, boulevard du Souvenir, Laval
Will you check out the Laval light show Illumi? Let us know what you think.
