Under a crisp Canadian winter sky, it's the glow of Christmas trees—on city squares, on neighbourhood lawns and in living-room windows—that sets the season alight. From Toronto's Cavalcade of Lights to Vancouver's Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden, communities gather around these lit evergreens, sharing warmth during the year's coldest weeks. Christmas—a celebration of faith, light and togetherness—invites people to bring that brightness indoors. Garlands wind through hallways, candles cast a soft glow across familiar rooms and mistletoe hangs in doorways while wreaths greet guests at the front door.

Many Christmas traditions trace their roots to Germany, where decorated trees, Advent calendars and festive markets first took shape in medieval towns. Today, families add their own touches to the season: hanging stockings by the bedside, unboxing gifts on Christmas morning and preparing festive dishes such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, butter tarts and tourtière—a classic French-Canadian meat pie. Here, the trees stand at the centre of the celebration, their branches trimmed and decorated with lights and ornaments that reflect memories and regional customs. In that shared light, winter feels just a little warmer, and the moment lingers long enough to be savoured.