Prepare to embark on a festive adventure! With the 2023 holiday season in full swing, there’s no better way to embrace the holiday cheer than by immersing yourself in the community and engaging in the various Christmas events and activities taking place across Alberta. Whether it’s the enchanting Christmas markets or dazzling light shows, our team here at Legacy put together a list of our favourite attractions for you and your loved ones to enjoy this holiday season.
Read below and let the festivities begin!
CPKC Holiday Train
Kicking off our list is the Holiday Train! Crossing the Saskatchewan boarding and making its way into Alberta starting December 6th, 2023 the CPKC Holiday train will be visiting a variety of Alberta locations until December 12th. Starting in Provost, Alberta and making its way south, those around the Red Deer area can enjoy the festivities on December 7th & 8th before it makes its way to Calgary, Alberta on December 9th. Interested if the holiday train is passing through your city?
Click here for the full CPKC Holiday Train schedule.
Winterlust Red Deer
Step through the front doors of Bo’s Bar & Grill and immediately get into the holiday spirit!
For the rest of December, take part in a variety of activities from local Red Deer vendors and partake in live events, while you immerse yourself into a winter wonderland filled with incredible holiday decor at Bo’s Bar & Grill. If that wasn’t enough, enjoy Bo’s famous Winterlust menu offering an array of hand-crafted holiday cocktails and delectable comfort foods.
Check out Bo’s on Facebook to see their upcoming events!
Winter Night Lights Tour
Have you wanted to look at lights on a horse drawn carriage ride? Good news, now you can! Heritage Ranch in Red Deer, Alberta allows you to embark on a magical 30-minute private horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy trails of Heritage Ranch, adorned with a breathtaking display of over 60,000 winter night lights. Enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and enjoy an evening of winter magic and create cherished moments with your loved ones!
Click here to view the Winter Nights Lights Tour Schedule
Christmas Under The Lights – At the Winter Village
Looking for a fun and free event to enjoy with friends and family?
Every December, the annual Winter Village holiday light show, is home to over 300,000 LED lights and lights up the Sylvan Lake Pier. While there, be sure to look for the 45 mini Christmas trees dotting the pathway, each sponsored and uniquely decorated by a local business or organizations who compete to decorate the best decorated tree. Take in the atmosphere under the lights every day throughout the winter season. On weekends, experience a dancing light show set to music and the magic as the sun sets over the lake, leaving the winter village aglow.
For more information, check out Visit Sylvan Lake.
Christmas Craft & Market Sales
With a simple donation to the Red Deer Food Bank, you can enjoy the sights & smells of Parkland’s Christmas market. Enjoy a selection of fresh produce, baking’s, local artisans, crafters, live music and more! Enjoy the festivities every Saturday from 10am-4pm at the Parkland Garden Centre.
Local Workshops & Christmas Market
Get in the Christmas spirit by partaking in a variety of workshops presented by Blue Grass Garden Centre. These workshops are happening throughout the month of December and are available at their Red Deer & Calgary locations.
Can’t make a workshop? No problem! Every Sunday from 11-4pm there’s an opportunity to explore their vibrant local markers Enchanted Christmas Market. Check it out now!
For individuals residing beyond Central Alberta or seeking a brief escape for an afternoon or weekend, we’ve highlighted some enjoyable holiday activities to explore!
The Polar Express Train Ride
Gather your family and watch the magical story of The Polar Express unfold as the train departs Stettler, Alberta, for a one-hour-long round-trip journey to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once on board, passengers are served hot chocolate and a cookie treat and everyone receives a ceramic souvenir Polar Express mug. Santa will board the train at the North Pole, and during the return trip will walk through each car giving out the “first gift of Christmas” – a silver sleigh bell. Reserve your spot today!
ZOOLIGHTS
For many Calgarians, the holiday season isn’t complete without a visit to ZOOLIGHTS. With over one million lights and close to 250 light features, ZOOLIGHTS is an exciting way to spend an evening with friends and family. Immerse yourself in a plethora of lights and enjoy their new exciting arctic aurora theme.
If you’re in the Calgary, Alberta area you can now enjoy Calgary’s award-winning holiday tradition on now until January 7th, 2024.
Hot Chocolate Trail
This holiday season, embark on a flavourful adventure through town, sampling an assortment of hot chocolates that range from traditional classics to creatively spirited concoctions. Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of more than 20 restaurants and cases each offering a limited-time festive-themed hot chocolate. For more information on which restuarants are participating visit the Banff & Lake Louis website.
In the heart of Central Alberta, the holiday season brings a special kind of magic. While it’s tough to pick just one favorite activity, we want to know, what’s your favorite holiday activity in Central Alberta? Share your festive moments with us by following and tagging us on socials @legacybrandingpromotions.