The 31st edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada is ready to light up Canada’s Capital Region — and every provincial and territorial capital from coast to coast to coast!
“In December, as the nights grow longer and colder, Canadians can come together in capital cities across the country for this annual celebration and let the festive atmosphere brighten their spirits,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “In Canada’s Capital Region, the winter landscape glows with hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights throughout the holiday season.”
For the 2015-16 season, which runs from Dec. 2 to Jan. 7, Christmas Lights Across Canada has become bigger and better than ever. An additional 100,000 lights will brighten up the Capital, including at a new location on MacKenzie Avenue. The Peace Tower and Centre Block on Parliament Hill will be the backdrop for a brand new multimedia projection show presented in loop from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. every evening during the entire Christmas Lights period.
The Capital’s residents and visitors are all invited to the official Illumination Ceremony on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Those taking part can enjoy free BeaverTails pastry, hot chocolate, a live performance by Measha Brueggergosman and an amazing pyrotechnic show that is sure to launch the season with a bang.
Canadian Heritage is happy to present this program in cooperation with exclusive sponsor Manulife. “Manulife is proud to sponsor this great Canadian tradition,” said Peter Wilkinson, senior vice-president. “Christmas Lights Across Canada has delighted countless Canadians for many years and helped start each New Year on a bright note.”
Christmas Lights Across Canada was launched more than 30 years ago to kick off the holiday season in the National Capital and to highlight landmarks along Confederation Boulevard — including Parliament Hill, national museums, monuments and other prominent institutions.
The program brings together Canadians across the country by linking the Capital with Canada’s provinces and territories. In December, most provincial and territorial capital cities take part in the magic by holding an illumination ceremony or a celebration of the season.
“We invite everyone to come out to enjoy the lights and share in the spirit of togetherness that links us as Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Minister Joly. “As we look toward the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the lights are a powerful symbol of the Canadian values of peace, respect, inclusiveness and hope for the future.”
For more information, visit christmaslights.gc.ca.
This story was provided by Canadian Heritage for commercial purposes. Postmedia had no involvement in the creation of this content.