Christmas Lights Across Canada 2016
Backgrounder
The Christmas Lights Across Canada program, launched in 1985, was created to highlight landmarks and sites along Confederation Boulevard, including Parliament Hill, national museums, monuments, embassies and other prominent institutions. The program also aims to make the Capital more vibrant during the winter months and kick off the holiday season in Canada’s Capital Region.
Every year, as part of Christmas Lights Across Canada, each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony to contribute to this nationwide effort. Thousands upon thousands of multicoloured holiday lights illuminate the country from coast to coast to coast, symbolically linking Canadians together.
In Canada’s Capital Region, hundreds of thousands of dazzling holiday lights will brighten Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial route circling the heart of the Capital. Confederation Boulevard includes Wellington Street, Mackenzie Street, Elgin Street and Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa, as well as Laurier Street in Gatineau and the Alexandra Bridge.
The 31st edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada will kick off with an official illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill, as is tradition. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on December 2, 2015. Thousands will gather for this annual event that includes a pyrotechnics show, a performance by Canadian singer Measha Brueggergosman and the launch of an all new multimedia projection show. Those in attendance will also be able to indulge in some favourite winter treats: BeaverTails® pastries and hot chocolate (free, while supplies last).
Manulife has been the official sponsor of Christmas Lights Across Canada since 2011 and has confirmed the renewal of its sponsorship until 2015–16.
Visit ChristmasLights.gc.ca for more details.
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