On December 7th, Christmas lights are turned on around numerous landmarks in the city. I start with this shot, taken across from the National Peacekeeping Monument, near the National Gallery, taken a few nights afterwards.
My path led me back to Ottawa City Hall, where the grounds were decorated. An outdoor skating rink is also found here.
City Hall has a provincial courthouse as a neighbour, and that provides the backdrop for these lights. I spent a few days here this year testifying for the Crown in a criminal trial. Hopefully never again.
A big wreath hangs over the main city building.
Across the street is Confederation Park, where instead of traditional lights, spheres of lights hang in trees, and the trunks are illuminated by spotlights of coloured lights. It's different, but I like it.
The park is home to several military monuments, including this one, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.
I headed up the street. Between Confederation Park and the National Arts Center, more Christmas lights.
Up at the NAC is this statue. This is the centennial year of the birth of Oscar Peterson, the great jazz pianist and composer, one of the best jazz has ever seen, and in my opinion the greatest musician Canada has ever given the world. A statue of him sits here, with his music playing from an overhead speaker. He looks like he's taking in the applause from his audience. There were Christmas touches in the nearby flowerbeds.
Passing by the NAC, around to the north end, more Christmas lights. The statue seen here is Andrew Hamilton Gault, the politician and military officer who organized the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at the outset of World War One. The regiment has a proud history, and is still active today. We'll cross the street from here tomorrow to close out the Christmas series.
