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The City of Yellowknife's Christmas tree on December 5, 2025. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
The City of Yellowknife's Christmas tree on December 5, 2025. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio

In pictures: City and legislature switch on holiday lights

“We’ll make this snappy,” declared Mayor Ben Hendriksen as residents of Yellowknife braved -30C for Friday evening’s holiday light switch-on.

The city’s giant Christmas tree in Somba K’e Park burst into life moments later, as did the rest of the park’s lights.

Every year, City Hall and the NWT legislature take part in Winter Lights Across Canada, a federally led initiative that lights up landmarks nationwide at roughly the same time.

At the legislature, staff served hot chocolate and cookies while fiddlers Lee Mandeville, George Mandeville and Richard Laboucan provided live music.

Olga and the Tree of Peace Jiggers performed a showcase before Santa’s arrival to greet local children.

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Here are our favourite photos from the night.

The tree spends most of the year tucked away across town before making its appearance. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
City Hall’s tree spends most of the year tucked away across town before making its appearance. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
A photo opportunity in Somba K'e Park. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
A photo opportunity in Somba K’e Park. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
The park sits next to City Hall in downtown Yellowknife. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Somba K’e Park sits next to City Hall in downtown Yellowknife. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Illuminated trees on the walkway to the NWT legislature. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Illuminated trees on the walkway to the NWT legislature. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
An excited young attendee points to one of the trees decorated by local schoolchildren. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
An excited young attendee points to one of the trees decorated by local schoolchildren. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Jiggers entertained the legislature crowd. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
A jigging showcase entertained the legislature crowd. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Christmas decorations alongside the NWT flag. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Christmas decorations alongside the NWT flag. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
These trees were decorated by students at Weledeh Catholic School. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
These trees were decorated by students at Weledeh Catholic School. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
The full spectacle of the legislature's tree. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
The full spectacle of the legislature’s tree. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Santa's arrival is marked in the most modern of fashions. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Santa’s arrival is marked in the most modern of fashions. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Santa makes an appearance. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Santa makes an appearance. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Getting into line to see Santa. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio
Getting into line to see Santa. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio