IllumiNATION, a virtual celebration of lights across Canada
[merry bells ringing] ♪ ♪ [Grégory Charles] This is a very special holiday season that we are experiencing. Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic, I still have my heart set on celebrating. A powerful light inside me keeps my spirit high, nourishes my resilience and convinces me that we will get through this difficult time. One of the things I find comfort in, is that I'm not the only one feeling this way. I'm convinced that from one end of the country to the other, this same light shines in everyone's heart in Canada.
Would you like to come with me on a cross-country tour? What's the saying? "Sharing is Caring"? I can't wait to share these bright Canadian lights with you. Canadian heritage would like to acknowledge the territories and homeland of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis, who were on this land long before Canada came to be. Their respect and kindness towards this earth are a source of inspiration for all of us. Enjoy this trip, starting with a flamboyant traditional hoop dance by Theland Kicknosway. [twinkling notes] What inspires me the most about the Christmas holidays is that we are able to gather with our friends and family, but most importantly, we should also acknowledge the traditional indigenous territories that we are gathering on and that we are holding these celebrations on. With that in mind, I say, "Chi-miigwetch", thank you very much.
[rhythmic drumming, voices chanting in unison] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [beat drops] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Hello, everyone. Happy holidays everyone. During the holiday season, there's nothing better than enjoying the cozy comforts of our homes and sharing our joy and our warmth with those we love, wherever they may be.
This is exactly why we want to gather Canadians virtually around a show full of creativity and Canadian artistic renditions. The holidays is a special time. A time of light and celebration, and here, in Canada, we are lucky to have a diverse cultural life that celebrates this festive period in all sorts of unique and wonderful ways. We all have a light that shines bright, and when we share our lights, we can unite this nation from coast to coast to coast.
So, I want to start by sharing my light with you. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and I hope you enjoy this show, full of dazzling and uniquely Canadian lights. ♪ [Grégory] I've heard that in New Brunswick, they too have their hearts set on celebrating. My friends from the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton have invited us to their Acadian party. Hello, everyone. I'm Lisa Leblanc.
I've been lucky to have a truly extraordinary family and to grow up completely surrounded by music, and with my aunts, my uncles, my mom, my dad, grandmas, and grandpas. So, I really look forward to seeing everyone. I think that's what brings me the most joy during the holiday season, that's really what it is, music and fun. One, two, three, four. [singing in French] ♪ On m'envoie-t-aux champs, c'est pour y cueillir ♪ ♪ On m'envoie-t-aux champs, c'est pour y cueillir ♪ ♪ Je n'ai point cueilli, j'ai cherché des nids ♪ [rowdy fiddling] ♪ ♪ ♪ Je n'ai point cueilli, j'ai cherché des nids ♪ ♪ Je n'ai point cueilli, j'ai cherché des nids ♪ ♪ J'ai trouvé la caille, assise sur son nid ♪ ♪ Au chant de l'alouette je veille et je dors ♪ ♪ J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors ♪ ♪ ♪ J'ai trouvé la caille, assise sur son nid ♪ ♪ J'ai trouvé la caille, assise sur son nid ♪ ♪ Je lui marchai sur l'aile et la lui rompis ♪ ♪ Au chant de l'alouette je veille et je dors ♪ ♪ J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Je lui marchai sur l'aile et la lui rompis ♪ ♪ Je lui marchai sur l'aile et la lui rompis ♪ ♪ Elle m'a dit "pucelle, retire-toi d'ici" ♪ ♪ Au chant de l'alouette je veille et je dors ♪ ♪ J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors ♪ ♪ Au chant de l'alouette je veille et je dors ♪ ♪ J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors ♪ ♪ Au chant de l'alouette je veille et je dors ♪ ♪ J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors ♪ [Grégory] Back to the capital, to share some lights with our Governor General and deck the halls across Canada with the voice of the country, the Peace Tower Carillon.
I will join you later at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel for a song around the piano. [choir harmonizing] [Julie Payette] When I was young, I was a chorister at the Montreal Cathedral. ♪ And on Christmas Eve, we always sang the midnight mass.
It was magical. Music has always been a part of my life. Choral singing is all about creating harmony, attuned to the other singers, following the conductor. It is the ultimate form of teamwork.
Beautiful sounds, lifting up in the air, within everyone's reach. The love of music transcends borders, overlooks differences and unites us all together. These are trying times for everyone. Take good care of yourself and of your family.
Keep a light on at home and in your heart, and stay safe until better days return. Happy holidays, Canada. [twinkling notes] [church bells ringing] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [rapid tempo] ♪ ♪ ♪ [organ playing "Hark The Herald"] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [bell echoing] [soft piano] ♪ [singing in French] ♪ Un jour, Noël ne verra plus ♪ ♪ D'hommes qui jouent à des jeux qui tuent ♪ ♪ Ce Noël-là, nos coeurs sauront ♪ ♪ Que les hommes sont bons ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël sera sans guerres ♪ ♪ Ce sera la paix sur la terre ♪ ♪ Quand on aura enfin compris ♪ ♪ Le cadeau qu'est la vie ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël ressemblera ♪ ♪ À tout ce qu'on voudrait qu'il soit ♪ ♪ C'est vrai peut-être qu'on ne sera plus là ♪ ♪ Mais ce Noël viendra ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël ne verra plus ♪ ♪ D'hommes qui jouent à des jeux qui tuent ♪ ♪ Ce Noël-là, nos coeurs verront ♪ ♪ Que les hommes sont bons ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël sera sans guerres ♪ ♪ Ce sera la paix sur la terre ♪ ♪ Quand on aura enfin compris ♪ ♪ Le cadeau qu'est la vie ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël ressemblera ♪ ♪ À tout ce qu'on voudrait qu'il soit ♪ ♪ C'est vrai peut-être qu'on ne sera plus là ♪ ♪ Mais ce Noël viendra ♪ ♪ Un jour, Noël ressemblera ♪ ♪ À tout ce qu'on voudrait qu'il soit ♪ ♪ C'est vrai peut-être qu'on ne sera plus là ♪ ♪ Mais ce Noël viendra ♪ ♪ Mais ce Noël viendra ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [Grégory] The light is strong and beautiful. It constantly dictates the rhythm of our life. It makes us live and relive every forgotten or neglected place. Strolling around Montreal, all lit up, is magical.
[Annie Villeneuve] During the holiday season, I replace all the lighting in my house, in every room, with small Christmas globes. So, hundreds of little lights of all sorts of colours, I find it heartwarming. [gentle, soft piano] ♪ [singing in French] ♪ Quand décembre revient ♪ ♪ Quand la neige neige ♪ ♪ Ton visage me revient ♪ ♪ En rafales de rires, d'étoiles ♪ ♪ C'est nous deux à l'envers ♪ ♪ Quand mes rêves rêvent ♪ ♪ À ces Noëls rouges et verts ♪ ♪ Nos huit ans, nos amours d'hiver ♪ ♪ Marie-Noël, Marie-Noël ♪ ♪ Petite fille, joujou fragile ♪ ♪ Petit Noël de mes Noëls d'enfant ♪ ♪ ♪ Quand décembre revient ♪ ♪ Quand résonnent, sonnent ♪ ♪ Minuit, mon coeur se souvient ♪ ♪ Des manèges de boules de neige ♪ ♪ Tes petits grands yeux verts ♪ ♪ Et ta bouche rouge ♪ ♪ Faisaient tourner à l'envers ♪ ♪ Mon traîneau, mon soleil d'hiver ♪ ♪ Marie-Noël, Marie-Noël ♪ ♪ Petite fille, joujou fragile ♪ ♪ Petit Noël de mes Noëls d'enfant ♪ ♪ ♪ Plus décembre revient ♪ ♪ Plus la neige neige ♪ ♪ Sur mes Noëls rouges et verts ♪ ♪ Mes huit ans, mes amours d'hiver ♪ ♪ Marie-Noël, Marie-Noël ♪ ♪ Petite fille, joujou fragile ♪ ♪ Petit Noël de mes Noëls d'enfant ♪ ♪ ♪ Plus décembre revient ♪ ♪ Plus la neige neige ♪ ♪ Et puis mon coeur se souvient ♪ ♪ Nos huit ans, nos amours d'hiver ♪ ♪ [twinkling notes] Northern lights, or Aqsarniit, have many different stories in Inuit society and culture across Inuit Nunavut, but the one story that is most often told and the one that was told to me as a child was that if there are northern lights in the sky and you look up at them and you whistle, that the northern lights would actually come down and chop your head off. Um, that-- that's something that is very dark, but at the same time, it's something that, um, is memorable to everyone who hears it, and to, uh, ward off the northern lights, you clap your hands to make sure that they didn't come down and decapitate you. ♪ [Grégory] Canada's artistic community is certainly close-knit.
We are all on the same boat. [traffic din] Art enlightens us, regardless of the medium. It's wonderful to see what we can do when we get together! ♪ [foghorn blaring] [traffic din] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [rhythmic vocalizing] ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ [slow, grooving beat] ♪ Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Sweet silver bells, hark how the ♪ ♪ On on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send on without end ♪ ♪ On on they send on without end ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells ♪ [vocals glitching] ♪ Hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells, hark hark ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells ♪ [vocals glitching] ♪ Hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the, hark how the bells ♪ ♪ Hark how the bells, hark hark ♪ ♪ Hark how the ♪ ♪ Hark hark, hark how the ♪ ♪ Hark hark, hark how the ♪ ♪ Hark hark, hark how the ♪ [vocals glitching] ♪ On on they send, on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send, on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send, on without end ♪ ♪ On on on they send, on without end ♪ [notes twinkling] [Grégory] Canada is truly winter wonderland! I know someone who loves the Canadian winter. Knock, knock knock! Who's there? Hello, everyone! Hello, everyone! I hope you're enjoying this virtual trip across the country as we celebrate Canada's bright lights.
For my family, this is one of our favourite times of year. We decorate the Christmas tree, watch holiday movies like Die Hard, play outside in the snow and spend quality time together at home. And while this year's holiday traditions will look a bit different, we can still enjoy the beauty of Christmas lights across Canada.
This display of lights from coast to coast to coast will help bring everyone together. Dear friends, I know that times are difficult and that 2020 did not go as we thought it would. But we’ll get through this. It’s really important to find new ways of celebrating the holidays together this year.
Because it will be an opportunity to take stock of everything good in our lives, and COVID-19 will not take that away from us! So, let's come together, even if it means connecting online this year, and share the warmth and light of the holiday season. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! Stay safe and healthy, everyone, and now back to Grégory Charles. ♪ [Grégory] Choo! Choo! All aboard! Our next stop, Calgary, for a dreamy performance of Jojo Mason and Kelly Prescott on Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. We are reaching Calgary. In winter, Calgary's landscape transforms into the perfect backdrop for Canadian Pacific's Holiday Train.
[man] This fundraiser continues to shine a light on the hunger problems in Northern America and raises food and funds to help. The demand for food bank services is even greater this year, so please, donate if you can. I am happy to be here tonight with the CP Holiday Train. Though we can't be together, I hope you will continue to donate to your local food bank.
Now, I'm here with the lovely Kelly Prescott. We're going to do a little Christmas number for you. [upbeat rhythm] ♪ ♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪ ♪ Just like the ones we used to know ♪ ♪ Where those treetops, they glisten ♪ ♪ And those children listen ♪ ♪ To hear the sleigh bells in the snow ♪ ♪ ♪ Well, I-I-I'm dreaming ♪ ♪ Of a white Christmas ♪ ♪ With every Christmas card I write ♪ ♪ May your days, may your days, may your days ♪ ♪ Be merry and bright ♪ ♪ And may all your Christmases be white ♪ ♪ ♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪ ♪ Just like the ones I used to know ♪ ♪ Where the treetops glisten ♪ ♪ And children listen ♪ ♪ To hear sleigh bells in the snow (in the snow) ♪ ♪ Well, I-I-I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪ ♪ With every Christmas card I write ♪ [both] ♪ May your days, may your days, may your days ♪ [Jojo] ♪ Be merry and bright ♪ [both] ♪ And may all your Christmases be white ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas, Canada! Merry Christmas, Canada. [twinkling notes] 2020 has been a year of many challenges, but with challenges comes hope, inspiration and gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.
As Canadians celebrate over the holidays, let us give thanks for the diversity and freedoms we enjoy, and for that, we thank our veterans. On behalf of the Métis Nation, I am honoured to bring you a greeting from the Métis citizens across the homeland and share in our tradition of family. As we come to a close on recognizing Manitoba's 150th year, we thank Louis Riel and all those who helped build this great country we all love. [Grégory] Friends and family are essential during the holidays. Despite the distance, it's important to tell one another how much we love each other. The internet, the telephone and a good old-fashioned greeting card are the best ways to do that this year.
[guitar strumming] ♪ Mom's making dinner for 20 ♪ ♪ Of Rufus's LA friends ♪ ♪ Dad's with Lucy in New York City ♪ ♪ Probably thinking about Tracy ♪ ♪ You're with your mother and your sister ♪ ♪ And your favourite brother-in-law ♪ ♪ I'm alone with some strangers ♪ ♪ In some crazy New Mexico loft ♪ ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas and happy new year, ahh ♪ ♪ I hope you all have a good one this year, ahh ♪ ♪ ♪ And I will remember, not to forget ♪ ♪ ♪ The music and the light of the Christmas past ♪ ♪ ♪ And I will remember, not to forget ♪ ♪ ♪ The music and the light of this land ♪ ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas and happy new year, ahh ♪ ♪ I hope you all have a good one this year, ahh ♪ ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas and happy new year, ahh ♪ ♪ I hope you all have a good one this year ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ And now, we're gonna hear from my brother, Rufus, who'll be singing to us from his living room. Thanks, Martha! And now, some Wham music. [guitar strumming] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Last Christmas I gave you my heart ♪ ♪ But the very next day you gave it away ♪ ♪ This year, to save me from tears ♪ ♪ I'll give it to someone special ♪ ♪ Last Christmas I gave you my heart ♪ ♪ But the very next day you gave it away ♪ ♪ This year, to save me from tears ♪ ♪ I'll give it to someone special ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Once bitten and twice shy ♪ ♪ I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye ♪ ♪ Tell me baby, do you recognize me? ♪ ♪ Well, it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me ♪ ♪ "Merry Christmas" I wrapped it up and sent it ♪ ♪ With a note saying "I love you", I meant it ♪ ♪ Now I know what a fool I've been ♪ ♪ But if you kissed me now, I know you'll fool me again ♪ ♪ Last Christmas I gave you my heart ♪ ♪ But the very next day you gave it away ♪ ♪ This year, to save me from tears ♪ ♪ I'll give it to someone special ♪ ♪ Last Christmas I gave you my heart ♪ ♪ But the very next day you gave it away ♪ ♪ This year, to save me from tears ♪ ♪ I'll give it to someone special ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Hey, this is Rufus Wainwright, here in Laurel Canyon, and my light, my Christmas light, is being able to spend time with my immediate family members, my daughter, Viva, and my husband, Jörn, and just be, you know, safe and healthy and, and, uh, very very fortunate. So, I'm just, it's about gratitude.
My Christmas light is gratitude. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [singing in French] ♪ Mon beau sapin ♪ ♪ Roi des forêts ♪ ♪ Que j'aime ta verdure ♪ ♪ Quand par l'hiver ♪ ♪ Bois et guérets ♪ ♪ Sont dépouillés ♪ ♪ De leurs attraits ♪ ♪ Mon beau sapin ♪ ♪ Roi des forêts ♪ ♪ Tu gardes ta parure ♪ ♪ Toi que Noël ♪ ♪ Planta chez nous ♪ ♪ Au saint anniversaire ♪ ♪ Comme ils sont beaux ♪ ♪ Comme ils sont doux ♪ ♪ Et tes bonbons ♪ ♪ Et tes joujoux ♪ ♪ Toi que Noël ♪ ♪ Planta chez nous ♪ ♪ Tout brillant de lumière ♪ ♪ Mon beau sapin ♪ ♪ Tes verts sommets ♪ ♪ Et leur fidèle ombrage ♪ ♪ De la foi qui ne ment jamais ♪ ♪ De la constance et de la paix ♪ ♪ Mon beau sapin ♪ ♪ Tes verts sommets ♪ ♪ M'offrent la douce image ♪ ♪ [twinkling notes] What I love most about the holidays is singing with my family and this year, we won't all be able to sing as much together, but we'll find ways to do it, um, whether it's outside or over Zoom, 'cause it's so important to be able to do that. [guitar strumming] [singing in French] ♪ Sur la route parapapampam ♪ ♪ Petit tambour s'en va parapapampam ♪ ♪ Il sent son coeur qui bat parapapampam ♪ ♪ Au rythme de ses pas parapapampam ♪ ♪ Rapapampam rapapampam ♪ ♪ Ô petit tambour parapapampam ♪ ♪ Où vas-tu ♪ ♪ Hier mon père parapapampam ♪ ♪ ♪ A suivi le tambour parapapampam ♪ ♪ Le tambour des soldats parapapampam ♪ ♪ Alors je vais au ciel parapapampam ♪ ♪ Rapapampam rapapampam ♪ ♪ Là je veux donner pour son retour ♪ ♪ Mon tambour ♪ ♪ ♪ Tous les anges parapapampam ♪ ♪ ♪ Ont pris leur beau tambour parapapampam ♪ ♪ Et ont dit à l'enfant parapapampam ♪ ♪ Ton père est de retour parapapampam ♪ ♪ Rapapampam rapapampam ♪ ♪ Et l'enfant s'éveille parapapampam ♪ ♪ Sur son tambour ♪ ♪ Sur son tambour ♪ ♪ Sur son tambour ♪ ♪ Sur son tambour ♪ ♪ [twinkling notes] [Grégory] Although the stars sprinkle a little glitter in our hearts as we look up to the sky, many Canadians have the chance to witness the magical northern lights phenomenon, most winter nights. [drums beating] Let's visit Yellowknife and Dettah's First Nations Community. [fire crackling] [drums beating] ♪ ♪ [Grégory] Join Paul Josie, a member of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Old Crow, Yukon, as he shares his love of the land and the importance of sharing his language and culture with his daughter. ♪ [Paul] I want her to...
to feel comfortable to being out on the land. [soft, ethereal flute] It means everything to me to share what I have learned from my father and my grandmother. [dogs barking] ♪ To pass the knowledge that's been handed to me to my daughter, so... she could continue to pass on to the next generation, and the next generation. [barking] [snow swishing] That means a lot, thinking about where we came from, and where we're going next.
♪ [soft barking] Some people will think of it as isolation, but really, when you're out on the land, you're never alone. You think about your ancestors. Our people have always travelled over the land by dog team. For us, I mean, knowing that, knowing that they've been here, that they've been through all these challenges and we are proof of that, it lifts your spirit and that helps guide you in the right direction. ♪ Travelling through beautiful country, beautiful landscapes, just yourself and your thoughts... You find yourself out on the land.
I want my daughter to know that when I say Gwitchin pride... it's understanding who you are, where you come from and sharing... sharing that sense of belonging.
♪ That connection captures your soul. ♪ ♪ [twinkling notes] Our celebration of winter might look different this year. It might be a virtual gathering, or just a small gathering of family. However you are spending your winter, I send you my best wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season. In the spirit of IllumiNATION, I encourage you to share what brightens your life with those you love. As the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, I hope your winter season is filled with love, with laughter and good health.
♪ [Grégory] What better way to celebrate the holidays than by cooking a great meal and enjoying our best dance moves? Let's go back to Ottawa to meet two talented chefs and drag ourselves on Parliament Hill to rock the night away. ♪ Hi, I'm Katie Ardington. I'm a chef here in Ottawa. And I'm Dominique Dufour, chef at Gray Jay. And today, we're shining a light on the Ottawa culinary scene. Every season brings a different farmers' market.
That's what I love about the markets is that people who come to Ottawa, are like, "Oh, let's go to the farmer's market." And they think, they think downtown, like in Byward, and I'm, like, "No, no, no. There's one there." -[Dominique] No, no, no! -But, there are about five or six different ones, like, where, where are you staying in the city, we'll go there.
But I absolutely love taking them for a long stroll in the Gatineau Park. It's-- every trail, has-- like, to be rediscovered under every season. [Katie] I agree with, like, the seasons that change. It gives you something to look forward to, every single year, even if it is bitter cold in the middle of January, you can still appreciate it, like, that's why we have the canal. ♪ Even the neighbourhoods keep developing.
We have the amazing projects in Little Italy and Chinatown, and you see the soul of the neighbourhood being carried by the new chefs that are emerging through these neighbourhoods. ♪ Lights bring people together, uh, you know, the warmth of the atmosphere, uh, creates a mood and when people come to see us, they-- they want an experience, right? They want to step out of their day to day life. [Katie] Bring the lights down a little bit more, and you want it to be that-- how you light your home. I think we're really lucky, at the moment, to be able to take people somewhere with us, and you know, rediscover Canada and explore how we now eat and how we love to share it with them. ♪ Excuse me? Are you the Honourable Bardish Chagger, the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth? I am! Nice to meet you! I know you! Everyone does. You're Priyanka! [shouting] What's my name? Congratulations on winning Canada's Drag Race and becoming Canada's first drag superstar! -Wild. -You are such an inspiration
to Canadians of all walks of life and the millions of kids you reached as host of YTV! Thank you! You're amazing too. We have a show taking place on Parliament Hill right now, showcasing some of Canada's brightest lights and you are one bright light. I want to challenge you to get up in front of Parliament Hill and share that light with the whole country. Will you do it? -Me? -[Bardish] Yes. Yes, challenge accepted! [Bardish] I can't wait! Wow, Parliament Hill...
-Oh, I have to get ready! Bye! -Good luck! -You're amazing. -You're amazing! -Nice meeting you. Bye! -Keep on safe. [twinkling notes] ♪ Say my name ♪ ♪ Priyanka ♪ Hi, Canada! It's me, Priyanka, from Canada's Drag Race! I love the holidays so much, it brings me so much light, but what brings me the most light is all of you because I get to do cool things like be the first ever winner of Canada's Drag Race, and be the first ever drag queen to perform on Parliament Hill! Hit it! ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Jingle Bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock ♪ ♪ Jingle bell swing and jingle bells ring ♪ ♪ Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun ♪ ♪ Now the jingle hop has begun ♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock ♪ ♪ Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time ♪ ♪ Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square ♪ ♪ In the frosty air ♪ ♪ What a bright time, it's the right time ♪ ♪ To rock the night away ♪ ♪ Jingle bell time is a swell time ♪ ♪ To go riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ ♪ Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet ♪ ♪ Jingle around the block ♪ ♪ Mix and a-mingle in the jingling beat ♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell rock ♪ ♪ La da da da, da da da da da, da da ♪ ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ ♪ ♪ La da da da, da da da da da, da da ♪ ♪ ♪ What a bright time, it's the right time ♪ ♪ To rock the night away (To rock the night away) ♪ ♪ Jingle bell time is a swell time ♪ ♪ To go riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ ♪ Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet ♪ ♪ Jingle around the block ♪ ♪ Mix and a-mingle in this jingling street ♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell (That's the jingle bell) ♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell rock ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell rock ♪ ♪ (Rock) ♪ [drum beating] [Grégory] What would you say about a last tour in the West for a bit of comfort? Let's join Jill Barber and our friends from Canada Place for a wonderful performance that will take us back to our childhood. In these darker, longer nights and shorter days, what brings me light is the twinkle in my children's eyes, uh, the look on their faces of magical anticipation for the season. It takes me right back to my own childhood and the feelings this time of the year, and I love to play this song, which reminds me of my own childhood Christmases.
[singing in French] ♪ Dans son manteau rouge et blanc ♪ ♪ Sur un traîneau porté par le vent ♪ ♪ Il descendra par la cheminée ♪ ♪ Petit enfant, il est l'heure d'aller se coucher ♪ ♪ Close your eyes ♪ ♪ Listen to the skies ♪ ♪ All is calm, all is well ♪ ♪ Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells ♪ ♪ Et demain matin, petit enfant ♪ ♪ Tu trouveras dans tes chaussons ♪ ♪ Tous les jouets dont tu as rêvés ♪ ♪ Petit enfant, il est l'heure d'aller se coucher ♪ ♪ Close your eyes ♪ ♪ Listen to the skies ♪ ♪ All is calm, all is well ♪ ♪ Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells ♪ ♪ Bringin' old toy trains, little toy tracks ♪ ♪ Little fun toys comin' from a sack ♪ ♪ Carried by a man dressed in white and red ♪ ♪ Little child don't you think it's time you were in bed? ♪ ♪ Et demain matin, petit enfant ♪ ♪ Tu trouveras dans tes chaussons ♪ ♪ Tous les jouets dont tu as rêvés ♪ ♪ Petit enfant, il est l'heure d'aller se coucher ♪ ♪ Little child don't you think it's time you were in bed? ♪ [Grégory] Sharpen your skates and meet Canadian pair skating champions at Nathan Phillips Square's rink. The energy of the city lights shines into all of our hearts, sparking our imagination, and connecting us through joy and discovery. [sweeping classical waltz] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [Kirsten Moore-Towers] Embracing people close to us looks different this year. More than ever, we find joy in the little things, reaching out and showing our love. The city lights connect us, acting as a beacon of hope and unity.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [Michael Marinaro] We hope the holiday season finds you, and those close to you, safe, healthy and embracing all the good and light that surrounds us all. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [notes twinkling] Good evening. I am Peter Wilkinson from Manulife. Tonight, we've enjoyed the inspiring and diverse line-up or artists on this tour across Canada in search of lights that brighten our communities and our hearts. I'm here with more than 35,000 Manulife employees from around the world who are committed to promoting an inclusive and stimulating environment for everyone.
Tonight's IllumiNATION is a celebration of Canada's diversity, artistic expression and our resilience in these difficult times. Now, let's join Grégory Charles in Ottawa for a very special rendition of 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.' Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Season's Greetings! [twinkling notes] Thank you very much, Mr. Wilkinson. And thank you for touring Canada with me and for finding, discovering, all of these lights. Thank you very much, for letting me share my light with you, and let's end this with a little pzazz.
Attention! One, two, three, four! ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ You better watch out, you better not cry ♪ ♪ You better not pout, I'm telling you why ♪ ♪ Santa Claus is coming to town ♪ ♪ ♪ He's making a list, checking it twice ♪ ♪ Gonna find out who's naughty or nice ♪ ♪ Santa Claus is coming to town ♪ ♪ He knows when you are sleeping ♪ ♪ Knows when you're awake ♪ ♪ Knows when you've been bad or good ♪ ♪ So be good for goodness' sake ♪ ♪ You better watch out, you better not cry ♪ ♪ You better not pout, I'm telling you why ♪ ♪ Santa Claus is coming to town ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ He knows when you've been sleeping ♪ ♪ Knows when you're awake ♪ ♪ Knows when you've been bad or good ♪ ♪ So be good for goodness' sake ♪ ♪ You better watch out, you better not cry ♪ ♪ Better not pout, I'm telling you why ♪ ♪ Santa Claus is coming to town ♪ ♪ Santa Claus is coming a-to town! ♪ ♪ ♪ [merry bells playing] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
2020-12-22 08:33
