OTTAWA, Ont. – The Ottawa-Gatineau region, along with the rest of the country, is set to shimmer with lights as part of Christmas Lights Across Canada.

The program started in Ottawa in 1985, but has expanded across the country. Over the years, the program expanded to include 60 sites along Confederation Boulevard and eventually our 13 provincial and territorial capitals.

An illumination ceremony will be held on Parliament Hill at 6 p.m. Thursday. The lights will glow every evening from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.




Meanwhile, the National Gallery of Canada is inviting members of the public to join for the lighting of its Christmas tree Thursday.

The tree will be lit with more than 12,000 lights at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall.