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.

Here are our favourite photos from the night.