We're very excited to welcome back our favourite holiday sponsors and the 34th edition of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program, presented by the Government of Canada in partnership with Manulife.

The official Illumination Ceremony will take place on Wednesday December 4th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at a NEW LOCATION - Confederation Park. The Kids in the Capital team will be there with the whole family, and we'd love for you to join us. The festivities will include performances by talented artists Kiesza, Damien Robitaille and Tomson Highway. You can also head over to Parliament to see the multimedia projection show (more on that below!)

We know it's a busy time of year, so if you can't make it, you can join in LIVE on Facebook. The evening's festivities will broadcast from the Capital Experience Facebook Page.

What IS a magical winter lightscapes multimedia show?

I had no idea what to when I first attended four years ago - I was thinking something along the lines of the summer multimedia show that plays on Centre block each year. But this show is a bit more engaging for the entire family, from young to old! The fairy tale story follows the exciting journey of Grizzli, Fox and Snowman through imaginary landscapes on their quest for light. The show is inspired by Canada’s nature, climate and culture, and there is so much to take in! And for extra effect this year, the show will use the entire building.

When can I see the show?

The official Illumination Ceremony takes place December 4th. There will be free Beaver Tails pastries and hot chocolate. And some live musical performances!

A warning: do NOT promise your kids a Beaver Tail. I made this mistake one year, and when we arrived the lineup was about 500 people long (and then they ran out.) If you're hoping for a sweet treat, you'd be best to arrive as early as possible. Or follow our lead, and pack hot chocolate in a thermos and stop off for some Timbits on the way!

If you miss the opening night, the magical winterscapes multimedia show runs every evening until January 7th, 2020 (presented on loop from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., except for New Year’s Eve when it runs until midnight.)

Tips for Going

We drove downtown last year, because it's a long bus ride and we knew the kids would be tired. We had to park about 2km away from the Hill, as there were A LOT of people. Things should quiet down a bit after the Illumination Ceremony, and street parking is free in the evenings.

Make sure kids are bundled up really well - it's surprising how fast you get chilly standing around. You may want to consider a stroller if you have a long trek from the car, although it may be a tiny bit snowy (I'm not sure about this weather this year!!) Prepare your kids for the crowds, or consider attending another night if your child has sensitivities to a lot of people/noise/lights.

Anything else I should know?

In addition to the show, don't forget all the lights! Go for a walk in Confederation Park to see thousands of holiday lights on display. Another awesome NEW addition this year are interactive public pianos!! Amateur pianists, apprentices or professionals can come and play your favourite holiday classics on pianos installed in Confederation Park and along the way to Parliament to amplify the Christmas enchantment.