The arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay was set to coincide with the illumination of the 25th edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada in the heart of the Capital. Residents and visitors were invited to join the celebration.  The thousands of Canadians gathered on Parliament Hill for this special event on December 12, will surely cherish this historic moment.

Olympic Torch Relay and Christmas Lights Across Canada

 

On Saturday, December 12, at 7 p.m., the 25th edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada will be launched with an illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill. This year, the celebration is set to coincide with the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Flame, as the Torch Relay reaches the heart of Canada’s Capital Region.
 
This brilliant symbol of Olympic spirit, as well as over 375,000 dazzling lights, will light up the night as Christmas Lights Across Canada kicks off.

Festivities on Parliament Hill

Starting at 5:30 pm, be part of history alongside thousand of Canadians gathered to take in a unique evening of free activities, featuring internationally renowned artists like Gregory Charles and Tom Cochrane.

Olympic medalists for Canada, Nathalie Lambert and Steve Podborski, Chef de Mission and Assistant Chef de Mission for the Canadian Olympic Team, are the distinguished masters of ceremony for this spectacular event.

Gregory Charles, composer of the official community celebrations theme song, will conduct a choir composed of 100 singers from the region. Following these performances, the crowd will be captivated by an aboriginal dance choreography interpreted by artists from many parts of Canada. The festivities will end with a performance by Tom Cochrane.

The evening culminates with the arrival of the Olympic Torch and the illumination of the Christmas lights at 7 pm. The final torchbearer will be Joé Juneau, 1992 Albertville Olympic medallist and former Montréal Canadiens team member. He will have the honour of lighting the Olympic Flame in the Capital.

Hot chocolate and BeaverTails® pastries will be offered from 5 pm to 8 pm (while quantities last).
 
The evening promises to be a magical one, with fun and entertainment for the whole family.

The event will be broadcast live on Rogers Television.

From December 12, 2009 to January 7, 2010, Canada’s Capital Region will sparkle with more than 300,000 dazzling lights.

Street Closures on Saturday, December 12

Olympic Torch Route

Olympic Torch Relay Interactive Map

Services

Information — Capital Infocentre

90 Wellington Street, Ottawa (across from Parliament Hill)
613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 or 1-866-661-3530 (TTY)

People With Special Needs

Parliament Hill is accessible for people with special needs.

Drop-Off Area (No Parking): Parliament Hill (Bank Street at Wellington) - A small area* near the stage will be available for people who use wheelchairs or require sign interpretation. Access that area from the West Drive.
* Space is limited: One companion only, please.

Accessible transit information

Access hotline, OC Transpo: 613-842-3625 (TTY), 613-741-5280
Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO): 819-770-3242

RF Receivers for hearing impaired persons

An induction loop system for persons with hearing impairment is available at the universal access tent (photo identification required and credit card or $20 cash deposit).

Press Conference

Invitation – Message from Marie Lemay, CEO of the National Capital Commission (NCC)

Highlights – Olympic Torch Relay and Christmas Lights Across Canada
Guy Laflamme - Vice-President of the Capital Experience, Communications and Marketing

Other activities in the region

City of Ottawa
City of Gatineau

Other related links

2010 Vancouver Olympic Games
Government of Canada