Christman Light Tour. (Contributed photo/ Jim Elliott)

By Ian Gustafson

Holiday celebration

Annual Red Deer Christmas Light Tour returns

Dec 6, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The 2024 Red Deer Christmas Light Tour has returned in time for the holiday season.

The route is a bit shortened this year but motorists can expect to see several of the top highlights throughout the city.

Jim Elliott, co-organizer of the annual event, says the route is approximately one and a half hours long, which is shorter than in years past but they completed the route with the minimal time they had this year.

Despite that, he said residents will have great light displays to look at to get into the holiday spirit.

“We haven’t had as much time as we usually do but what we do have set up is a lot of the highlights. They’re really good ones that people will enjoy,” he said.

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“Last year we had about six or seven hours worth of driving so it’s not quite as robust but people love it. They like to get out of their car and take pictures. It’s a good thing.”

Jim has been doing this holiday tradition with his son A.J. for 20 years and each year they drive around and map out the best possible route.

“Over the years we’ve probably driven every street in Red Deer just trying to find the best houses for people,” he added.

Elliott said some homes and routes may not be accurately represented as the entire city is too large to keep track of. He said its challenging to explore everything, and unforeseen changes can influence each route for what is and what is not there. Residents are encouraged to share the route with loved ones, and other people you see.

This light tour features areas such as City Hall, Glendale, Normandeau, Oriole Park, Fairview, West Park, Bower, Mountview, Grandview, Clearview, Rosedale, Deer Park, Range Road 265, and the Parkland Gardens.

For full directions of the route, those interested can download the map on the Red Deer Community Events website.