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Winter Lights Across Canada illuminates Yellowknife

Residents marched to legislative assembly from the Somba K’e amphitheater on Dec. 8 to take in a festive light show.
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Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos lets visitors at legislative assembly know what to expect. Kaicheng Xin/NNSL photo

Residents marched to legislative assembly from the Somba K’e amphitheater on Dec. 8 to take in a festive light show.

Winter Lights Across Canada is a yearly event sponsored by Government of Canada that illuminates monuments and important sites in a display of holiday lights throughout the country on the same night.

It’s intended to bring together Canadians so everyone can join in the spirit of season.

Yellowknifers gathered in Somba K’e Park at 4:45 p.m. that day to witness the dazzling display of lights after Mayor Rebecca Alty gave the signal.

The crowd then headed over to the legislature, where Santa Claus awaited.

Food and warm beverages were provided in the lobby.

During the countdown led by Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos, Santa showed up at the second floor balcony door while ringing his bell and bellowing that familiar “ho ho ho.”

A photo session was arranged with Santa, as laughter could be heard and joy filled the room.

Santa Claus gets ready for children to join him at the legislative assembly. Kaicheng Xin/NNSL
Santa Claus gets ready for children to join him at the legislative assembly. Kaicheng Xin/NNSL
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Taylor Maxwell, left, and Iris Cordero hand out warm hot chocolate and cookies at the legislative assembly. Kaicheng Xin/NNSL photo
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Even this wolf at city hall was reflecting the spirit of the season. Kaicheng Xin/NNSL photo


About the Author: Kaicheng Xin

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