GATINEAU: Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, has unveiled this year’s Christmas Lights Across Canada programming, allowing people across the country to celebrate the Canadian winter.
From December 8 to January 7, a new multimedia projection will illuminate Parliament Hill and a national television show will unite Canadians for an evening.
People in Canada’s Capital Region can enjoy an entirely new multimedia projection on Parliament Hill every evening from December 8 to January 7, free of charge. The 15-minute show will play on a loop from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The presentation combines colourful digital imagery with a captivating soundtrack. It will be a nocturnal odyssey of three luminous sparks that awaken during the Canadian winter solstice. Their mission is to add light to winter evenings.
The luminous sparks travel across Canada’s multiple landscapes. As they surmount obstacles, they will get help to achieve their important task. The imagery and music is set with the impressive backdrop of Parliament Hill’s architecture. You’ll see luminous sparks travelling across the Canadian landscape, adding light to winter evenings.
In Canada’s Capital Region, people can enjoy the Pathway of Lights along Confederation Boulevard, a ceremonial route that circles the heart of the Capital.
This illuminated route is between Ottawa and Gatineau and people can admire the sites and monuments along its way:
• National War Memorial
• Rideau Canal Park
• Confederation Park
• Elgin Street
• Mackenzie Triangle
• Reconciliation, The Peacekeeping Monument
• Jacques-Cartier Park
• Garden of Provinces and Territories
• Portage Park
• Supreme Court of Canada In the capitals of all provinces and territories across the country, Canadians can admire the thousands of lights that shine every evening between December 8, 2021, and January 7, 2022. Each capital and territory highlights its monuments and sites. This is the perfect opportunity to admire the festive lights from your home and celebrate this period of winter in Canada.
The television show IllumiNATION – A Celebration of the Winter Solstice will invite Canadians to discover, share and celebrate Canadian traditions and legends. Hosted by Gregory Charles, IllumiNATION will feature a variety of artistic performances from across the country. Co-produced by Rogers TV Ottawa and Canadian Heritage, the program will take you on a journey from Ontario to Manitoba, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Alberta and Quebec.
IllumiNATION – A Celebration of the Winter Solstice will be broadcast on the Canadian Heritage YouTube channel on December 21 at 8 p.m. (local time) and on Rogers TV and OMNI Television. The broadcast will be available until January 7 through participating cable companies and on the Canadian Heritage YouTube channel.
To ensure everyone’s safety during the pandemic, preventive measures against COVID-19 will be in place in accordance with public health guidelines.
Be the first to receive the latest news about Christmas Lights Across Canada and share your beautiful lights using the hashtag #LightsAcrossCanada. Facebook: @capitalexperience | @vivezlacapitale Twitter: @capital_exp | @VivezlaCapitale YouTube: @CdnHeritage | @ PatrimoineCdn Instagram: @canada_cap Pablo Rodriguez said: “For 37 years, Christmas Lights Across Canada has been a proud tradition that illuminates December. This year, let’s celebrate the beginning of winter by attending a free multimedia projection on Parliament Hill and following the Pathway of Lights along Confederation Boulevard, a ceremonial route through the capital. Let’s discover Canadian traditions and legends through the television program IllumiNATION – A Celebration of the Winter Solstice.”
Peter Wilkinson, Global Head, Regulatory and Public Affairs, Manulife, said: “Manulife is proud to sponsor this great Canadian tradition. IllumiNATION delights countless Canadians as it reflects our diversity and inclusion—and this year, Indigenous traditions and customs—and helps start each new year on a bright note.”
• The 37th annual Christmas Lights Across Canada program will begin December 8, 2021.
• The main hashtag is #LightsAcrossCanada. For the TV show IllumiNATION – A Celebration of the Winter Solstice, use the hashtag #IllumiNATION.
