Organizers of a new Cape Ann-wide holiday promotion are hoping residents will mark their calendars for Nov. 27 thru Jan. 1 to hop in their cars and head around Cape Ann for the First Annual 2020 Winter Lights Display Celebration.
More than 150 merchants and businesses will be lit up daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout Cape Ann to help celebrate the joys of the season. A custom-designed Google Drive Map will be produced and available at DiscoverGloucester.com - highlighting Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester's participating locations. Organizers hope family, friends, locals and visitors alike to join the month-long promotion of enchanting exploration and glimmering light displays.
"We are so thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm of our many partners to support a new but time-honored tradition of using light to celebrate the magic of the season. By simply illuminating our businesses and special places with lights helps us all find and share joy,” said Elizabeth Carey of Discover Gloucester.
This signature Winter Lights itinerary travels through the beautiful coastal communities of Cape Ann along specific tourist districts to transform the region into a winter wonderland. The Google Map will showcase each decorated structure as well as provide information on parking, shopping, dining and lodging.
In addition to the Google Map, a brochure will be available to illustrate the Winter Lights route guiding visitors through Cape Ann. This printed map brochure will also include parking areas and the list of all contributing members making it easy for folks to stop along the way to enjoy local shopping, dining choices and perhaps an overnight stay. This hard copy keepsake will be available at Cape Ann community businesses and organizations.
Participating light displays will include the Gazebo and Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park, Gloucester schooners Adventure, Ardelle and Thomas E. Lannon, Manchester Center and Rockport Inn & Suites to name a few. The effort is sponsored by the Town of Rockport, Discover Gloucester, The Manchester Cricket and Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
For a complete list of participants, go to www.discovergloucester.com/winter-lights-cape-ann.
