OTTAWA, Ont. – The 35th edition of Winterlude will kick off its celebrations at City Hall, the festival’s newest site.

The NCC announced that Marion Dewar Plaza will host the opening bash this year and revealed its plans for the festival at an announcement Tuesday morning at City Hall.

“One of the great things about this year’s Winterlude is that we have activities taking place here … by the Rink of Dreams,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “We’re very excited about being one of the official host sites.”

The NCC gave the audience a sneak peak of what is to come at the announcement.

Two aerial dancers that will perform at the launch of the festival twirled and cascaded down the facade of City Hall and performers wobbled around on stilts.

The opening of the festival will also include pyrotechnic effects and a DJ dance party, with a soundtrack provided by Ottawa’s own A Tribe Called Red.

Winterlude activities will take place on the Rideau Canal Skateway, at Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, at Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, and new this year, at Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall. 

The focus will be outdoor activities, Canada’s diverse culture, winter traditions and culinary arts.

“For the 35th edition of Winterlude, more partners than ever have come together to showcase Canadian winter traditions, diversity, artistic talent and scientific achievements,” explained Jean-François Trépanier, NCC Chief Executive Officer. “The NCC, in collaboration with our partners and sponsors, is proud to present events such as this that reflect both Canada’s Capital Region and the country as a whole.”

Winterlude officially kicks off at 7 p.m. on February 1 at Winterlude’s newest site: Marion Dewar Plaza.

The 2013 edition of Winterlude runs from February 1-18, 2013.