OTTAWA: Let yourself be dazzled by IllumiNATION! The virtual show takes all Canadians on a magical cross-Canada journey that will amaze young and old alike.
Join in the celebrations wherever you are to discover talented Canadians sharing their light upon this special holiday season – from From Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 8 pm (ET) to Thursday, January 7, 2021, at midnight (ET).
The virtual show premiered on Thursday, December 17, at 8 pm (ET). and will be available at all times on the Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadianheritage/campaigns/christmas-lights/illumination.html and on social media outlets like YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CdnHeritage. and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CdnHeritage/
A statement from Canadian Heritage said: “In the company of Gregory Charles, admire numerous artistic performances as we travel to Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton, Calgary, Vancouver, Yellowknife and Old Crow, Yukon.
Let’s discover the most beautiful lights in Canada! (Gregory Charles, OC (born February 12, 1968) is a Quebec performing artist of Trinidadian and French Canadian origin. Charles worked on Céline Dion’s world tour and Charles made t appearances at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.)
The virtual show features: Annie Villeneuve, Dr. Andrea McCrady, House of Commons, Ottawa, Chef Dominique Dufour, Restaurant: Gray Jay, Gregory Charles(in French only), Jill Barber, JoJo Mason, Chef Katie Ardington, Restaurant: Beckta, Kelly Prescott, Kirsten MooreTowers and Michael Marinaro, Lisa LeBlanc, Martha Wainwright, Priyanka , Rufus Wainwright and Theland Kicknosway
In a video message, Gregory Charles said: “Hi, I’m Gregory Charles. I’m in rehearsal for IllumiNATION: a virtual celebration of lights across Canada. Please join me on December on Canadian Heritage Digital Platforms.
“We’ll be travelling across the country to meet Canadian bright lights! “We’ll visit with Lisa Leblanc and her band in Moncton and celebrate on a majestic sailboat in Halifax!
“In Toronto, national champions Kirsten Moore Towers and Michael Marinaro, the sweet and charming Annie Villeneuve in Montreal. JOJO Mason will rock the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Calgary. In Vancouver, Jill Barber will be performing at Canada Place!
“Have you ever seen the Northern Lights of Yellowknife? Well, a legend will be told by Indigenous youth from the community of Dettah. In Old Crow, Yukon, the great snowy landscapes will take your breath away!
“As for me, well, I’ll be in Ottawa with none other than Martha and Rufus Wainwright; Priyanka, Canada’s drag superstar; Young Theland Kicknosway and his illuminated hoops,Dr. Andrea McCrady will perform at the Peace Tower Carillon and chefs Dominique Dufour and Katie Ardington who will introduce us to Ottawa’s culinary scene.”
Also on the Season’s Celebrations Calendar is the unique ‘Pathway of Lights’ in Canada’s Capital Region You can follow the pathway of lights using the Google map on the website as a guide or enjoy the lights wherever you are, through virtual tour.
It began on November 30, 2020 and will run until January 7, 2021. Every evening, from 5:30 pm to 1 am Be charmed by the thousands of dazzling holiday lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial route that circles the heart of the capital.
Follow the route and admire the illuminated sites including the National War Memorial, the Garden of Provinces and Territories and the view from the Alexandra Bridge.
An artistic light installation, Entre les rangs, makes its appearance on Parliament Hill this year and is a new addition to the Pathway of Lights! This sensory stroll through an urban field contributes to the festive holiday season look in Canada’s Capital Region.
This year more than ever, all Canadians are being invited to share the lights that illuminate their community! Every Canadian capital, municipality and city is being encouraged to contribute to the illumination of the country. Share your most beautiful lights by using the hashtag #ChristmasLightsAcrossCanada.