sparkle tour regina 2021

Twinkle Tour: Regina’s must-see Christmas light displays for 2021

Embark on a safe and physically distanced tour of some of Regina's most festive homes.

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Christmas will be different this year,  but Regina’s Twinkle Tour remains a constant.

Each year, the Regina Leader-Post compiles a list of addresses of homes with great Christmas light displays. Plot out a route and — either alone or with members of your household — embark on a safe and physically distanced tour of some of the city’s most festive homes.

Twinkle Tour: Regina’s must-see Christmas light displays for 2021 Back to video

If your home is bedecked with holiday lights or you know of a must-see house or neighbourhood that should be on the map, submissions are always being added. Please send us an email, with photos, to [email protected] .

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Twin Lakes 1379 Maple Grove Crescent 5803 Ehrle Crescent 5847 Ehrle Crescent

Walsh Acres/Lakeridge/Garden Ridge 4738 Singer Crescent 5140 Genereux Drive 1120 Harrison Way 1204 Warner Bay 39 Springstein Avenue 151 Wells Street

Argyle Park 2926 Ridgway Avenue

Normanview 11 Champ Crescent 231 North McCarthy Boulevard 208 Irvin Street

Normanview West 7 Berenson Avenue

Dieppe 7336 7th Avenue

Regent Park 196 Coldwell Road

Coronation Park 500 King Street 64 Woodward Avenue

Northeast 9 Osler Place

Northcentral 709 Wascana Street 4212 6th Avenue

Cathedral 1943 Athol Street 2460 Montague Street 2700 19th Avenue

Lakeview 3131 Hill Avenue

Dewdney East 2950E Inglis Bay 2918 Jenkins Drive 237 Thomson Avenue 35B Glen Elm Trailer Court 1138 12 Avenue East

Al Ritchie 2449 Winnipeg Street

Arcola East 3414 Phaneuf Crescent 42 McMaster Place 3459 Apple Grove 3606 Selinger Crescent 4134 Green Olive Way 4301 Green Apple Drive 5413 Cade Street

Hillsdale 1051 McNiven Avenue 2412 Parliament Avenue 32 Anderson Avenue

Albert Park 4624 Argyle Street

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Twinkle tours of holiday lights made easy thanks to Sask. website

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REGINA — For Regina resident Iann Gorrill, the holidays aren’t complete without an evening spent touring the best light displays his community has to offer — and he’s not alone. 

“I come from a small town in Saskatchewan, originally, and so my love of Christmas lights was born there,” said Gorrill.

But like many small-town Saskatchewanians who move into bigger communities, the twinkle tour phenomenon is not one universally organized and it can be tough to know where to go for that holiday light fix.

So, Gorrill decided to provide a solution and created Sparkle Tour.

Gorrill is the chief illumination officer — his words — at Sparkle Tour, a free-to-use interactive online map that catalogues holiday light displays in communities across Saskatchewan. 

Gorrill started Sparkle Tour a decade ago, with the sole purpose of helping folks like himself find nearby holiday light displays for a self-directed twinkle tour. 

“My goal for the site has always been a platform for people to celebrate their light displays,” said Gorrill. “Whether it’s big or small, it doesn’t matter — it's all about spreading Christmas spirit.”

It began as a simple Google map with pins, said Gorrill, and it quickly became clear that the idea needed a big update to keep up with interest.

“Within a few days of building that map, we knew we needed an actual domain name and we ended up calling it Sparkle Tour,” said Gorrill.

Now, Sparkle Tour’s map is hosted independently as a free-standing site and it is lit up with addresses submitted entirely by community members from all around the province — and even some in Ontario.

“We’re trying to provide something, during a time of year that can be very stressful and expensive, that families can use,” said Gorrill. “We turn over every year with zero addresses, zero towns, so we really rely on people to submit.”

The map features holiday displays of every size, shape and intensity. There’s something for everyone, said Gorrill, whether you’re into big LED shows, blow-up decorations or even walk-through displays hosted in people’s yards.

Light bulb markers on Sparkle Tour’s map show the spots to cruise by for a peek at interesting lights and decorations, while star markers denote the “Best of” displays that are a must-see.

And “best of” is an accurate term — these are not your average light displays. We’re talking shows with thousands of lights, sometimes synced to music, and always creatively engineered to be an absolute experience for passers-by.

“Those are the entries that we know for a fact go above and beyond,” said Gorrill. "You can tell that the creators at these locations put a lot of money and effort into their displays."

Big cities like Regina and Saskatoon have the most submissions on the map, naturally, but Gorrill accepts addresses from any town, hamlet or village in the province each year.

In Regina, several addresses with big elaborate displays are also collecting donations for local charities, like the Regina Food Bank and Salthaven Animal Rescue.

Many of the veteran displays who go all-out each year also set certain times for their shows, which Gorrill joked is likely for their neighbours’ peace of mind.

This year, communities including Bienfait, Weyburn, Kindersley and more have all put themselves on the map, to welcome fellow holiday light lovers.

Since its inception, Gorrill estimates that he’s added more than 2,600 addresses to the Sparkle Tour map, and received over 270,000 hits on the site. 

He’s added an option to download and print a list of addresses or the map itself this year, upon request, and a fellow twinkle tour aficionado even made a Spotify playlist of holiday music for users to enjoy while out and about.

Gorrill said he is happy to see the site still going strong, with lots of appreciative feedback, and that he hopes to see it continue to grow in the future.

“As long as I can keep it, it will always be a free resource that families can use,” said Gorrill. “Really all it costs them is a little bit of gas and some hot chocolate to go drive around their communities and enjoy these creations.”

Those interested in taking a look at the map can visit SparkleTour.ca , where they can submit an address to be included on the map. 

Gorrill said he takes submissions right up until Christmas and leaves the site active for a time after the holidays. Most people keep their displays going until early January before shutting down, so Gorrill encourage folks to get out there and tour that twinkle.

Video: The impressive display of lights synced to music hosted on a custom radio station at a Sparkle Tour address on Forget Street in Regina. (taken by Larissa Kurz)

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Track the best Christmas lights in Sask. through local family's website

Sparkle tour marks 10 years of rounding up the best lights in regina and communities across canada.

Popular stop on last year's Sparkle Tour

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For the past 10 years Iann Gorrill has made a list — and possibly checked it twice — to find out which homes have the best Christmas light displays in Regina.

While maybe he can't teach people everything he knows about exterior illumination, Gorrill is able to share his favourite homes decked out for the holidays on his website, Sparkle Tour, and Facebook page .

"It's our Christmas gift to the people of Saskatchewan, the people of Canada," Gorrill told CBC's The Morning Edition .

"Some are looking for these types of activities that don't cost a lot of money. They really only cost a little bit of gas and some hot chocolate money."

The Sparkle Tour list first started a decade ago when Gorrill and his young children would drive around the city looking for the best, over-the-top Christmas light displays.

At the time, it was a guessing game and there was no greatest hits list, Christmas lights edition, for families to consult.

"So [we] started a list of our own and made a fairly crude map, shared it out with some friends," Gorrill said.

That list has steadily grown and now includes up to 500 homes each year not just in Regina, but in communities across Saskatchewan and Canada.

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Gorrill said he spends up to an hour each day updating the website and Facebook page with new submissions and old favourites.

And if the homeowner has gone all out — Clark Griswold-style from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation—  their home gets marked with a gold star.

"They typically stand out to us as something that is above and beyond what could be expected of most normal humans to put up."

For Gorrill, light displays synchronized with music will likely earn a coveted gold star.

"I'm a big fan of anything that's integrated with technology," Gorrill said.

His wife prefers a more traditional display, as long as all the little lights are, twinkling, one presumes. 

"Even though it's our 10-year anniversary, it's basically our 10-month anniversary."

Gorrill said the website has become his family's new tradition.

Now, instead of piling into the car to look at all the light displays, his children want to help compile the list for other families to enjoy.

"I don't think my daughter would let me quit. She's not as much about going on the tours. She's still pretty proud of the fact [sparkle tour] is something we do."

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Sparkle Tour

• Contact Information

Need Awards field

• Urban / Suburban
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Maps & Docs

Contact info.

Phone(s): [email protected]

Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Englefeld.

Latitude: 50.44734° N, Longitude: -104.6079° W

Using crowd-sourced information, Sparkle Tour captures the various locations of great Christmas light displays on their website. Visitors to the website can then use this information to create their own Christmas light tour for anywhere in the province or country.

Location Information

lat. 50.44734° N, long. -104.6079° W

Phone: [email protected]

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Sparkle Tour Stop in Support of the RHS

Join the Sparkle Tour and head on down to 500 King Street, Regina SK to view Paul and James’ spectacular magical light display. Donations from light display will help the thousands of homeless, lost and abused animals who rely on the Regina Humane Society each year.

The display runs throughout December from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Event Location

500 King Street, Regina, SK, Canada

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Due to road construction, the intersection of Armour Road and Highway #6 will be closed for several weeks . To access the Regina Humane Society, please enter Armour Road from Pasqua Street North, just north of the Highway #11 overpass.

29th Annual Regina Humane Society's Telethon

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Home for the Holidays: Christmas in Regina

If you find yourself in the Queen City during the month of December, you might be asking yourself, ‘What can I do to fill my time during the hap-hap-happiest time of the year?’ There is something in Regina for all occasions to keep your holidays bright and full of memories.  Get into the holiday spirit wandering through the trees  at the Conexus Art Centre, burn off the chocolate buzz on the tobogganing hill, stop for a holiday treat  at The Everyday Kitchen, or sneak away from the family gossip for a festive cocktail at a local distillery.

Here are a few ideas to fill your itinerary while home for the holidays in December:

Get out of the House

Conexus Arts Centre – Winter Wonderland The Conexus Arts Centre, with Knight Archer Insurance, are excited to announce that Winter Wonderland will be returning for 2022! The Centre will once again be transformed with over 60 themed Christmas trees, sponsored by the Conexus Arts Centre as well as various organizations and individuals, each one of them uniquely decorated. Join us this holiday season for a Tour, Sunday Brunch, or a Champagne Tour!

Government House – Victorian Christmas Christmas is a magical time at Government House, with windows and doorways swagged in lush garlands, festooned with holly berries and twinkling lights. The splendour of the season can be seen, and felt, at every turn and the atmosphere alone makes for a wonderfully festive visit. Visit Government House over the holiday season and take in the incredible splendour and decor, including 17 trees, 25 window sprays, 62 wreaths, 100 poinsettias, more than 450 feet of garland and thousands of lights. Make Government House part of your family’s tradition!

Take in a Show @ the Casino Show Lounge Terri Clark, Jeffery Straker, Barenaked Ladies and Rory Allen Holiday shows? Count us in! Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than a girl’s night out, or an evening with the in-laws listening to great live holiday tunes!

Cheer on the home team! Regina Pats return for another season of legends in the making. Take the whole family for a night of hotdogs and hockey at the Brandt Centre on December 10, 14, 17 or 28.

Hop on a bus for a Twinkle Tour! Take a quick view of all the amazing light displays throughout Regina! The Twinkle Tour will go through the whole city and you will get a front seat of all the amazing lights. Then we will also stop by Tim’s for a free hot chocolate.

More of a self-driven light display viewer? Check out the Regina Sparkle map:

Cedar Creek Gardens   Begin new holiday traditions at Cedar Creek.  From fresh greens and Christmas trees to stocking stuffers and home décor Cedar Creek has everything you need for a very merry Christmas.

Moonlight & Mistletoe Moonlight and Mistletoe is a special weekly shopping event happening in the Warehouse District. Stores will be open until 8pm on Thursdays to celebrate. There is a varied selection of stores participating so that you can find something no matter who you’re shopping for. Stop into one of our 5 Moonlight and Mistletoe locations to do your holiday shopping this year!

Regina Attractions A great gift that keeps giving throughout the year is the gift of membership! Insider access, discounts and admission are featured in the varying memberships available throughout the destination. Check out some our favorites:

Saskatchewan Science Centre 

Royal Saskatchewan Museum 

MacKenzie Art Gallery

Burn Some of that Energy!

Taste of the holidays.

Everyday Kitchen  Sour dough doughnuts are a favorite in YQR, and adding a holiday twist makes them even better! The holiday infused doughnut and drink line up this year include fan favorites like Ferrero Rocher, Lemon Gingerbread and brand new flavors including peppermint Pattie and Eggnog Sugar Cookie. All pairing perfectly with house made holiday syrups! Order ahead, get them delivered or stop by in store.

Regina Farmers Market: Holiday Edition The Regina Farmers Market is hosting Holiday Farmers Markets this December and are excited to host this in a new location in the Cooperators Centre at the REAL District. Extended hours, additional market days and tons of free parking make it a perfect way to prepare for that holiday fest! December 10 & 11 / 17 & 18

Dandy’s Ice Cream Tis’ the season for delicious warm drinks and festive flavours! Dandy’s is featuring 3 brand new seasonal menu items: Grinch Hot Chocolate, Red Velvet Hot Chocolate, Sticky Toffee Pudding Latte. All cozy and tasty enough to warm the heart of any grinch!

Last Mountain Distillery  We all have that one person that gives us the same delicious treat to look forward to every holiday. Toffifee and Ferrero Rocher are two of our favourites. We came up with this delicious liquid chocolate hazelnut concoction to honour that spirit. Using real cacao nibs, hazelnut, and blending with our LŌK(Ə)L Butter Ripple Schnapps, this is an unforgettable holiday treat! Stop by to pick a seasonal flavour, or go for a tour of the distillery!

Regina Downtown: Festive Beverages This month, celebrate the holiday season by trying out one (or two!) of the festive beverages served at our downtown coffee shops!

Stop in for a visit with Santa!

Dutch Growers December 2, 4, 9, 10

Southland Mall November 26 – December 23

*Photos with the Mean One available on Thursdays in December, 1, 8, 15 & 22. 1:00 – 3:30 pm and 4:30 – 7:00pm.

Cabela’s Regina 

Northgate Mall November 24 – December 23

Cornwall Centre November 17 – December 24

Here & Now

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In the spirit of reconciliation

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is Treaty 4 territory and the traditional territory of the Anihšinābēk, Nêhiyawak, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota peoples, and the original home of the Métis/Michif Nation. We recognize that both Indigenous and Métis people are the spiritual and cultural keepers of their traditional lands and still to this day, continue to practice their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.

Twinkle Tour

Date & time.

Sun Dec 10 2023 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Regina, Sask | Regina, SK

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We're thrilled to announce the return of Winter Wonderland for 2023, presented by  Knight Archer Insurance ! This magical event serves as a heartwarming initiative to support the Regina Food Bank. Experience the Conexus Arts Centre transformed into a festive spectacle featuring over 120 enchanting Christmas trees and displays. Each tree is sponsored by the Conexus Arts Centre, various organizations, community partners, and generous individuals, each adorned with unique decorations.  

This holiday season, join us for an extraordinary cause. Whether you're looking for a Family Winter Wonders Gathering, an immersive tour, a delightful Sunday brunch, or a luxurious Champagne Tour, your participation directly contributes to supporting the Regina Food Bank.  

Scroll down to explore all the captivating events lined up for our Winter Wonderland and be part of this meaningful initiative to spread joy while making a difference in our community!

Tours are self-guided. You do not have to sign up for a specific time in advance.  ADMISSION: Patrons can either donate a non-perishable food item or make a monetary donation for the Regina Food Bank at the door.  Reminder that food donations should be non-perishable, non-expired, and unopened. 

Date: Sunday, December 10

Times : 9:30 AM or 12:00 PM Indulge in the enchantment of winter with our Winter Wonderland Brunch! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with two seating times available. Join us for a culinary journey filled with seasonal delights, warm ambiance, and joyous moments. Reserve your seat now to make this winter a celebration to remember. Don't miss out on the magic! ❄️🍽️

Hash browns with fresh chives

Fresh scrambled eggs

Pork sausage

Eggs Benedict

Oven baked bacon Belgium waffles with strawberry compote, icing sugar and pancake syrup

Breakfast pastries including" mini croissants Assorted mini-Danishes and muffins

Caesar salad

Fresh vegetables crudites with cucumber dill dip

Cranberry & apple coleslaw

Chicken breast with mushroom sauce

Penne pasta with sun dried tomato Delectable Desserts from our Pastry Chef

Seasonal fresh melons, pineapple, and grapes

Assorted local and imported cheese with crackers

Fresh brewed coffee (Regular & Decaffeinated) & specialty teas

Date: Sunday, December 17

Time : 2:30 PM Price: $31.00 (Plus applicable fees)

Indulge in the warmth of holiday cheer as you sip on exquisite teas and savor delectable treats. Our Winter Wonderland Tea promises an afternoon filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of the holidays.  

Step into a world of elegance at the Winter Wonderland Champagne Tour presented by Knight Archer Insurance on November 25th from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Join us for an evening under the stars, filled with exquisite wines, champagne, and delightful snacks. Tickets are $35, offering a taste of luxury in every sip. Don't miss this enchanting experience—purchase your ticket now for a night of sophistication and celebration!

Welcome to the Family Winter Wonder Gathering presented by Knight Archer Insurance, where the magic of the season comes alive! Join us on November 26th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM for a festive and fun-filled day that promises delight for the entire family.  

🎅 Capture the Moment with YQR Photo Booths: Bring your holiday wishes to life with free digital pictures with Santa himself! Encounter other whimsical characters like The Grinch, ready to spread cheer and mischief.  

 🎄 Creative Corner  Let your imagination run wild at the arts and crafts station provided by Dunlop Art Gallery and Sticks and Doodles. Get hands-on with holiday creations that will sparkle and shine.  

📝 Dear Santa Take a moment to pen your heart's desires in a special letter to Santa. Drop it in our enchanted Santa mailbox and let the holiday magic begin.  

📚 Storytime  Embark on enchanting journeys with fun stories courtesy of Regina Public Library. Gather 'round for tales that will transport you to wondrous worlds.  

🎭 Showtime Spectacle Prepare to be entertained by a special performance from Sterling Productions, featuring dazzling displays and heartwarming moments. Plus, get ready to laugh out loud with engaging improv games that will leave the whole family in stitches.  

🍬 Treats and Sips: Indulge in a variety of delectable treats and beverages to keep you fueled and festive throughout the day.  

💸 Admission Details : General admission is $20 per family, and here's the best part: 100% of the proceeds go to support the Regina Food Bank. Your attendance not only promises a day of joy for your family but also contributes to spreading warmth and happiness to those in need. If this is a barrier for you to attend no worries we still want to see you.  

Mark your calendars for this joyous occasion, and let the Family Winter Wonder Gathering create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. We can't wait to celebrate the magic of the season together!

Bike shops boomed early in the pandemic. It’s been a bumpy ride for most ever since

For the nation’s bicycle shops, the past few years have probably felt like the business version of the Tour de France

For the nation’s bicycle shops, the past few years have probably felt like the business version of the Tour de France, with numerous twists and turns testing their endurance.

Early in the pandemic, a surge of interest in cycling pushed sales up 64% to $5.4 billion in 2020, according to the retail tracking service Circana. It wasn’t unheard of for some shops to sell 100 bikes or more in a couple of days.

The boom didn’t last. Hobbled by pandemic-related supply chain issues, the shops sold all their bikes and had trouble restocking . Now, inventory has caught up, but fewer people need new bikes. So, bicycle makers have been slashing prices to clear out the excess. It all adds up to a tough environment for retailers, although there are a few bright spots like gravel and e-bikes.

“The industry had a hard time keeping up with the demand for a couple of years, but then demand slowed as the lockdowns ended, and then a lot of inventory started showing up,” said Stephen Frothingham, editor-in-chief of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. “So now for the last, a year and a half, the industry has struggled with having too much inventory, at the supplier level, at the factory level, at the distributor level, at the retail level.”

In 2023, bike sales totaled $4.1 billion, up 23% from 2019, but down 24% from 2020, according to Circana. The path out of the pandemic has been uneven -- national retailers, such as REI and Scheels, are stabilizing faster than independent bike stores, said Matt Tucker, director of client development for Circana’s sports equipment business.

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For John McDonell, owner of Market Street Cycles on the popular thoroughfare of Market Street in San Francisco, the shift to hybrid work brought about by the pandemic has been particularly tough on business. There used to be 3,000 bikes passing by his shop a day during the summer. That’s fallen to below 1,000, with fewer people commuting to work.

According to Pacer.ai, which tracks people’s movements based on cellphone usage, San Francisco lags all other major cities when it comes to workers returning to offices, with April office visits still down 49% compared with April 2019.

“Our downtown is still a wasteland,” McDonell said.

Independent bike stores not only have to compete with national chains, but increasingly, bike makers such as Specialized and Trek as well. They’ve been buying bike shops and selling their bikes directly to consumers, essentially cutting out the middleman. Frothingham estimates there are now around a thousand bike shops in the country owned by either Trek or Specialized.

“They’ve got the money to absorb the fact that bike stores, you know, are not a super profitable thing, and in the process, they’ve also been able to cut us out of it,” McDonell said.

McDonell has been forced to cut down to using a skeleton crew of himself and another staffer, down from five previously. His dream of selling his shop to a younger bike enthusiast when he retires is fading. He might close his store when his lease is up in a couple of years.

“Now I am just trying to land it with both engines on fire and trying not to lose money on my way out,” he said.

In Boulder, Colorado, Douglas Emerson’s bike shop, University Bicycles, is faring better, boosted by its location in one of the most popular places to ride bikes in the country. He’s had the shop for 39 years and employs 30 staffers.

Like other bike stores, the pandemic spurred a frenzy of bike buying at University Bicycles. Emerson recalls selling 107 bikes in 48 hours. But right after the boom, sales slowed dramatically because inventory was scarce, and rentals died down since no one was traveling.

“It became a struggle right after the boom,” Emerson said. “And since then, the manufacturers have overproduced. And they’ve slashed prices dramatically which is good for the consumer. But with the small shops they’re often not able to take advantage of those prices.”

Emerson says the shop reached a “saturation point” – everyone who wanted a bike bought one. Now, he’s selling those customers accessories like clothing, helmets and locks. His shop has returned to its 2019 sales numbers.

University Bicycles has also benefited from some of the shifts in buying patterns. Continued high demand for e-bikes and a growing demand for children’s bikes have helped. And gravel bikes, which are designed to be ridden both on paved and gravel roads, are replacing road bikes as a popular seller.

John Ruger, who has been a cyclist for 50 years and is a loyal University Bicycles customer, hasn’t bought a bike in 10 years, but plans on taking advantage of the current prices to buy a gravel bike. A top gravel bike he’s eyeing that would normally sell for $12,000 to $14,000 is currently retailing for $8,000, he said.

“The timing is good,” he said. “I can get a bike now because they’re less expensive and my bikes are getting old.”

Shawna Williams, owner of Free Range Cycles in Seattle, Washington, didn’t have the sales surge others did because her 700 square foot shop was so small she took customers only by appointment from March 2020 to May 2021.

But Williams did have to deal with the eventual shortages. She spent a lot of time “checking in with other shops to see if we could buy something, even at retail, from them, just in order to get a repair done or a build done.”

She adapted by offering more services like repairs and maintenance to offset lower sales of bikes. The maneuvering helped her keep overall sales steady even throughout the pandemic.

“Bike sales, the way that I have kind of framed the shop, are an awesome bonus, but we really need to be sustaining the shop through repair and, like, thoughtful accessory sales,” Williams said. “A bike sale to me, if we do things well, that means creating a customer for life.”

An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that bike sales were $4.1 million in 2023, according to Circana. Sales totaled $4.1 billion that year.

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Great hosts. Love the annual shopping trip. Everyone works so hard to keep all us shoppers happy!!

Carole Cann

[Staff] went above and beyond to be sure we were fed, watered, accommodated and amused while we were storm stayed at 4 Bears. They also helped on the bus with ArriveCan, our Custom forms, answering all our questions, looking after our needs.

Their service is next to none. Their prices are very reasonable. Their drivers are very friendly and attentive. Their fleet of buses are always clean and have the most up to date equipment. Great people to deal with.

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