Each year, Canada’s Capital Region glows with thousands of holiday lights during Christmas Lights Across Canada. The magic begins with an illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill.
In Canada’s Capital, the winter landscape glows with over 300,000 multicoloured lights during the holiday season. The holiday lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial route circling the heart of the Capital. The Boulevard encompasses Wellington Street, Mackenzie Street, Elgin Street and Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa, as well as Laurier Street in Gatineau and the Alexandra Bridge. The show will be presented every night in loop from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
To view each year’s dates, please visit their website!
Illuminating Ceremony
Every year, an illumination ceremony is held on Parliament Hill at 7:00 p.m. The evening usually features musical performances, a colourful pyrotechnics show and a projection of the Winter Lightscapes show. Guests are invited to arrive early to the ceremony and enjoy free BeaverTail pastries and hot chocolate, while supplies last.
The evening’s festivities is broadcasted live on the Canadian Heritage Facebook account for Canadians across the country who are unable to attend the illumination ceremony.
About Christmas Lights Across Canada
The Christmas Lights program was launched in 1985 to brighten the Ottawa winter. At first, the lights were only on Parliament Hill, but over the years the program expanded. Now, Ottawa and Gatineau glow each winter with Christmas lights at over 60 sites along Confederation Boulevard.
The program also grew to include our 13 provincial and territorial capitals, becoming Christmas Lights Across Canada. Throughout the country, Canadians come together each year to brighten their wintery capitals with thousands of holiday lights.
Christmas Lights Across Canada is supported by partners in the national, provincial and territorial capitals of Canada.
For other fun events this fall/winter in the Ottawa area, check out our website!
Hoping you will attend with your family!
