A 45-year-old tradition in the Canadian city of Toronto, the Cavalcade of Lights will mark the start of the holiday season 2011 with lots of events and activities at the Nathan Phillips Square Nov. 26.

The spectacular festival features musical shows, lights decor, ice skating and a fantastic fireworks display.

The 2011 Cavalcade of Lights will feature the lighting of the City of Toronto's official Christmas tree, fireworks and live musical performances by award-winning artistes Jarvis Church, Kellylee Evans, JRDN, rising star Justin Hines and singer Victoria Duffield, according to the schedule released by the city authority.

I invite residents and visitors to take part in this year's festivities, said Mayor Rob Ford. Enjoy the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree, a concert by great musical talent and spectacular fireworks at the Cavalcade of Lights celebration, he said.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. next Saturday with concerts, followed by fireworks display at 8 p.m. and a skating party later on the Nathan Phillips Square rink, City of Toronto has posted on its Web site.

The festival this year will see more than 100,000 energy efficient LED lights shining from dusk to 11 pm every night throughout the holiday season.

As Toronto braces for the 45th Cavalcade of Lights, catch a glimpse of the festivity fervor through the years in pictures below.

Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Fireworks at Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto. City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Cavalcade of Lights 2009 City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Cavalcade of Lights 2010 City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Cavalcade of Lights 2010 City of Toronto
Canada Braces for Cavalcade of Lights 2011
Fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square City of Toronto
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