The 31st edition of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program did not disappoint in the capital.

On Wednesday, Parliament Hill was transformed into a magical winter wonderland.

“This one was really, really good. I liked the fireworks, I’ve never been so close to fireworks,” said Allain Al Habasha.

The show featured a story projected onto the Peace Tower and Centre Block. It featured a tale of a grizzly bear, a fox and a snowman synced to a musical soundtrack.

“I thought it was amazing. I didn’t really know what was going in the story, but I liked how it went you know. I liked the animals,” said 12-year-old Nicholas.

Wednesday’s illumination ceremony was the official kick-off for Christmas Lights Across Canada.

It will play continuously between 5:30 p, m. and 11 p.m. until January 7th.

Wednesday was also a chance to see some of the more than 400,000 lights set up around the Capital Region. Lights can be best viewed from around Wellington Street, Mackenzie Street, Elgin Street and Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa, as well as Laurier Street in Gatineau and the Alexandra Bridge.