Red Deer Lights The Night 2019 (rdnewsNOW)

By Ian Gustafson

Holiday Fun

Red Deer Lights the Nights returns this month

Nov 13, 2024 | 4:41 PM

The beginning of festivities for the holiday season in the City of Red Deer will soon be underway.

Through Dec. 21, the annual Red Deer Lights the Nights will feature multiple family-friendly events taking place in downtown Red Deer.

One of the activities currently underway is the Red Deer Arts Council’s Writes of Winter holiday writing contest.

They’re asking writers of all ages to write a short poem or story with a maximum length of 500 words about the holiday season.

The deadline for holiday themed stories is Dec. 9, and for winter themes, Jan. 13. Those who submit their stories will be entered to win prizes. For more information on how to submit, visit the Red Deer Arts Council website.

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The Rare & Remarkable Artisan Market will take place this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The free event at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery will have holiday items on display from local artisans for sale.

A Holiday Craft Fair is also set for Nov. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

The free to attend event will feature local, homemade products to help those in attendance finish Christmas shopping.

On Friday, Nov. 22, Santa Claus will be coming to downtown Red Deer for the Frost Street Patio Party. From 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ross Street Patio and Veterans Park the whole family can come meet Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.

Kids in attendance can also participate in winter games and pick up an activity bag from Family Services of Central Alberta. There will also be hot chocolate available and plenty of fire pits to warm up by.

On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre will host a family snowshoeing event from 12 to 3 p.m.

No experience is necessary and they’ll have snowshoes available for those three years and older. It’ll cost $3 per person or $10 for a family.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre will also host a Felt Ornament Workshop from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Using repurposed sweaters, those in attendance will create ornaments to bring holiday cheer.

All the materials will be provided and organizers welcome those aged 14 and older for $15 per person.

On Friday, Dec. 6, the Downtown Twinkle Tour will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Those taking in the event can take part in a scavenger hunt and visit local decorated stores for a chance at a $300 prize. They can also enjoy local late-night shopping at participating stores and take a tour of the Christmas light display at City Hall.

On Dec. 6 and 7, the Downtown Winter Market will go ahead at 7 p.m. with a location to be announced. The market features homemade holiday items from different vendors for purchase with live entertainment and a photo booth.

On Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14, Santa’s Bus Tour may be coming through your neighbourhood.

On those nights from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., residents can head to their sidewalks to wave to Santa and his elves as he drives by. Bus routes will be posted at a later date but his routes can also be watched on the MyBus app for a live location.

There will be a Santa Bus viewing party on Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Red Deer Arts Council. The free event welcomes those who want to decorate Christmas cookies and drink hot chocolate before watching the Santa Bus go by at the end of the evening.

On Thursday, Dec. 12 there will be an Embrace the Dark event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for an evening full of activities focused around space phenomena. To attend, they ask for a donation of $3 per person but $10 for a family.

Finally, on Saturday, Dec. 21 there will be a Kids Holiday Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. where kids ages 6-12 will be busy with crafts, games, activities, and treats at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. It will be $12 per youth and every child must be preregistered.

For any questions about Lights the Nights contact the City of Red Deer Community Development team.