This year, Red Deer Lights the Night means not just lighting up one night, but many.
Starting Nov. 19, Red Deerians are invited to explore the greater downtown to discover festive lights, beautiful holiday decorations and activities to enjoy throughout the Christmas season.
Highlights include:
• Light displays at City Hall Park, Ross Street Patio and Capstone starting Nov. 19.
• Winter Market, hosted by the Downtown Business Association, Nov. 18 to 20.
• Best in Snow pet photo contest, hosted by Capstone, Nov. 20 to 27.
• Christmas in Capstone, starting Dec. 1.
• Christmas Craft Drive-Thru, hosted by Family Services of Central Alberta, Dec. 4.
• Late Night Shopping, hosted by the Downtown Business Association, Dec. 9.
• “Shinny” rink and “milk jug curling” at Central Middle School – ice rink to be installed as weather permits.
• Trivia contests.
• Santa’s Bus Tour and photo contest on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18.
• World Junior skate day at Bower Ponds on Dec. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m, with a learn-to-skate area, hot chocolate and other fun surprises. The event is supported by Hockey Canada, Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE), Red Deer RCMP, the City of Red Deer, and Red Deer Emergency Services.
A video showcasing the lights and decorations in City Hall Park will be shared on the city’s social media channels so Red Deerians can enjoy the view safely and from the warmth and comfort of home.
The annual festivities would not be complete without an appearance from Santa. The city’s Santa’s Bus Tour will return on four different December evenings (Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18), Santa and his crew will tour city neighbourhoods while riding a Red Deer Transit bus. Route maps are available on the city’s website and the MyBus app.
Red Deerians can share photos of Santa’s Bus Tour on social media with #rdlights for a chance to win a prize.
Residents are reminded to follow physical distancing guidelines and asked to remain in front of their own homes, if possible, while watching for Santa’s Bus Tour.
“After great success last year, we’re excited to once again bring Christmas spirit directly to neighbourhoods with Santa’s Bus Tour. And we’re pleased to invite Red Deerians to enjoy an expanded holiday light display throughout greater downtown,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, the city’s community development superintendent.
For more information and updates on Red Deer Lights the Night festivities, presented by Red Deer Downtown Business Association and the City of Red Deer, visit www.reddeer.ca/rdlights.