Christmas Lights Across Canada in Ottawa

by James Morgan on December 10th, 2016

The Christmas Lights Across Canada show on the Centre Block of Parliament. Photo: James Morgan

Even the official monuments and buildings of Canada’s capital take on a festive look this time of year. On December 7, the 31^st annual Christmas Lights Across Canada event took place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. 8,000 people crowded onto the snow-covered lawn. There was entertainment, fireworks, and the debut of this year’s animated sound and light show that is projected onto the front walls of the Centre Block each night until December 25th. The festivities were also an unofficial launch for Canada’s 150^th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout 2017. Light displays around the downtown area were switched on too. Christmas Lights Across Canada is actually a national event. Lights are also displayed in front of the legislatures in every provincial and territorial capital.

The Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill contributed to the holiday spirit. It was supposed to be a temporary monument to honor Canada's 100th anniversary in 1967. But, it was so well-liked that it was made permanent. Photo: James Morgan

The Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill added to the holiday spirit. It was supposed to be a temporary monument to honor Canada’s 100th anniversary in 1967. But, it was so well-liked that it was made permanent. Photo: James Morgan