Émery Melanson, the great magician of Christmas

One of the best kept secrets of Christmas is hidden in Dieppe, New Brunswick. From Moncton to New York, Émery Melanson has sprinkled his magic in several cities around the world for decades with his creations.

Moncton Angels

What would Christmas in Moncton be without the majestic angels that tower over the city year after year? Émery Melanson brought them to life in 1985.

I have designated Oh my goodness, because I'm creative.

Measuring 4.5 m — or 15 feet — they are installed throughout the city center and have been watching over passers-by for nearly 40 years. Sitting atop City Hall, seven illuminated angels appear to ring out praises. Nineteen other angels are dotted across Main, Vaughn Harvey and St. George streets, among others.

A true Christmas artist

The magic of Christmas entered Émery Melanson's life while he was a manager at the Creaghan store in downtown Moncton. It was at this time that he won several competitions rewarding the most beautiful Christmas windows.

One thing led to another, and he decided to make a career out of it and opened a specialized company in the 1980s, called Melanson Display.

Just like Santa Claus, his workshop on Main Street employs several artisans, around forty in total.

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I had Christmas shops in Highfield Square, [au centre commercial] Champlain, I had stores in Saint-Jean, I had [une salle d’exposition] in Torontosays Émery Melanson.

He thus managed to obtain contracts to decorate department stores, such as Eaton's and Sears.

Behind Woody the tree

Several animated Christmas decorations in shopping centers across the country have been made by Émery Melanson over the years. One of the most famous decors is the Woody tree at the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

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I did Woody the Christmas Tree at Mic Mac Mall and it's still there. It's a tree that talks. He is 30 feet tallmarvels Émery Melanson.

Today, young and old still travel to admire Woody in Halifax, Nova Scotia's most famous fir tree whose return was celebrated a few years ago.

Creations around the world

Émery Melanson has created Christmas decorations in the biggest cities in the world.

I went to New York twice a year. New York is beautiful at Christmas!remembers the craftsman.

In addition to the Big Apple, his Christmas creations have also been found in Paris and other European cities.

Today at 82, Émery Melanson still loves the magic that surrounds this festive period.

Well, I love Christmas, Christmas is my life!

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He continues to share the magic around him, as evidenced by his latest creation, a magnificent tree that welcomes residents and visitors at the entrance to his apartment building in Dieppe.