From Nov. 28, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009, Toronto’s 43rd annual Cavalcade of Lights will be hosted at Nathan Phillips Square. 
Nathan Phillips Square is named after the former Toronto mayor and opened in 1865. It hosts concerts, a weekly farmer’ market and other public events and demonstrations. It is also above one of the largest underground parking garages in the world, which can hold up to 2,400 vehicles. It sits in front of city call and the large reflecting pool acts as a skating rink in the winter months. Visitors can also shop at numerous concession stands and rent skates.
The official opening celebrations will take place on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. with the official Toronto Christmas tree lighting and music by Stephen Page of the Barenaked Ladies, Keshia Chante and other artists. A spectacular fireworks display will take place at 8:00 p.m. during a skating party on the ice rink. Several more skating parties will take place during the month of December on Saturdays, featuring musical acts like Jully Black and Faber Drive. During the afternoon a fair trade market will be open featuring Christmas decorations and crafts.
In 1958, 420 design submissions for Nathan Phillips Square were considered, but Finnish architect Viljo Revell’s design was chosen, and work began in 1961. The “Freedom Arches”, the three large arches that stretch over the reflecting pool, were erected in 1989 and contain an actual peace of the Berlin Wall at the base of the center arch, where a plaque reads: The Citizens of Toronto dedicate these arches to the millions who struggled including Canadians, to gain and defend freedom and to the tens of millions who suffered and died for the lack of it. May all that we do be worthy of them. Only in freedom can the Human Spirit soar. Against the Human drive for freedom nothing can long succeed.
Nathan Phillips Square is definitely the heart of Toronto.
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