12 Trees: Let There Be Light

Presented by Nordstrom

A much-loved holiday tradition since 1990, the Gardiner Museum’s annual 12 Trees exhibition continues bring family and friends together to celebrate the holiday season.

Included with general admission.

Let There Be Light

This year’s 12 Trees exhibition focuses on light as a potent symbol of hope that many cultures share. Curated by author and visual artist Douglas Coupland and Vice President of Public Art Management Ben Mills, this year’s exhibition brings a contemporary, light-filled perspective to the 12 Trees tradition.

Among other delights, this year’s light-inspired art installations include a disco-ball Christmas tree, a manually-powered holiday tree light show, an animated winter dreamscape, a “tree” comprised of illuminated blocks, and more.

In addition to the twelve artist installations, visit the neon-lit 42-foot white spruce on the Museum’s front plaza designed by Presenting Sponsor, Nordstrom, and donated by Ontario Wood and Forests Ontario.

Please note: Visitors will be unable to access one of the installations in the Terrace Room after 4 pm on selected days due private event bookings.

The Artists

Read our behind-the-scenes blog interview with the artists

Evan Biddell
Julia Callon
Connor Crawford
Christine Dewancker and Katherine Strang
Amit Kehar and Kanika Gupta
Alex McLeod
Polymétis
Jon Sasaki
Jordan Söderberg Mills
David Trautrimas
Julia White
Vivian Wong

The 12 Trees Gala

On November 16, join Gardiner Friends and supporters for a luminous evening benefiting the Museum’s education and outreach programs. Be immersed in a feast for the senses designed to uplift and inspire as we celebrate the important role that light plays in many cultures during the holiday season. Learn more

Presenting Sponsor

Exhibition Sponsor

Exhibition & Gala Partners

Rosemary Phelan, Langar Foundation

The Citrine Foundation of Canada

Tree Sponsors

In Kind Sponsors