Experience the thrill of the festive season in Red Deer! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events. For Red Deer connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences.
The Festival of Trees offers a spectacular display of beautifully decorated trees and festive décor, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy the vibrant lights and community spirit with Red Deer Lights the Night, featuring dazzling light displays and festive activities. And the Canyon Ski Resort Christmas Extravaganza is something you definitely don't want to miss, blending snowy adventures with Christmas cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Red Deer
- Festival of Trees
- Red Deer Lights the Night
- Canyon Ski Resort Christmas Extravaganza
- Christmas Artisan Market
- CP Holiday Train
- Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
- Christmas Lights Tour
- Winter Wonderland @ Bower Ponds
Red Deer Holiday Light Displays
Red Deer Lights the Night
What to Expect:
City-wide illumination event with fireworks
Description:
Red Deer Lights the Night ignites the city in a blaze of color and excitement. This annual event unites the community in a synchronized illumination of downtown streets, parks, and buildings. The highlight is a spectacular fireworks display that paints the night sky. Roam the illuminated streets and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate at designated stations. Red Deer's lighting ceremony traces its roots back to the early 1900s when the city first received electricity. Today, it serves as a vibrant kickoff to the holiday season, bringing together residents and visitors in a shared moment of awe.
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Christmas Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of the city's best residential light displays
Description:
Red Deer's Christmas Lights Tour invites you to explore a twinkling tapestry of neighborhood displays. This self-guided adventure showcases the city's most elaborate and creative residential light installations. Participants receive a map highlighting standout locations, allowing for a personalized journey through illuminated streets. The tour originated as a friendly competition among neighbors in the 1950s and has since grown into a beloved community tradition. Cruise past houses adorned with synchronized light shows, animated figures, and dazzling designs. This event celebrates the creativity and community spirit of Red Deer's residents.
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Red Deer Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Showcases locally-made, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts
Description:
The Christmas Artisan Market in Red Deer spotlights the region's creative talent. This curated event brings together skilled craftspeople and artists, offering a diverse array of handmade goods. From intricate jewelry to custom woodwork, each item tells a story of local craftsmanship. The market's roots trace back to Red Deer's early agricultural fairs, evolving into a celebration of contemporary artisanship. Visitors can chat with creators, learning about their techniques and inspirations. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, adding to the sensory experience. This market provides a refreshing alternative to mass-produced holiday shopping.
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Red Deer Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Red Deer into a forest of creativity. Dozens of intricately decorated trees, each a unique work of art, fill the venue. Visitors can marvel at the innovative designs and bid on their favorites, with proceeds supporting local healthcare initiatives. This cherished tradition began in 1994 and has since raised millions for the community. Stroll through the dazzling display and vote for your top pick in the People's Choice category. The festival's commitment to combining holiday cheer with charitable giving sets it apart from typical seasonal events.
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Red Deer Holiday Shows and Entertainment
CP Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling concert on a beautifully lit train
Description:
The CP Holiday Train rolls into Red Deer, bringing music and merriment on rails. This 1,000-foot-long train, adorned with hundreds of thousands of LED lights, creates a moving light show. As the train stops, a boxcar transforms into a stage for live performances by talented musicians. The event, which began in 1999, supports local food banks across North America. Attendees can enjoy the free concert while contributing non-perishable food items. The train's arrival has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing the spirit of giving and community connection during the holiday season.
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Red Deer Other Holiday Activities
Canyon Ski Resort Christmas Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed skiing and snowboarding activities
Description:
Canyon Ski Resort's Christmas Extravaganza blends winter sports with holiday cheer. The slopes come alive with festive decorations and themed runs, creating a unique alpine experience. Skiers and snowboarders can participate in costume contests or tackle specially designed holiday obstacle courses. The resort's history dates back to 1970, making it Central Alberta's longest-running ski area. At the lodge, visitors can indulge in seasonal treats while enjoying panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape. This event offers a thrilling twist on traditional holiday celebrations, perfect for adventure seekers and snow enthusiasts.
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Canyon Ski Resort Christmas Extravaganza
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
What to Expect:
Traditional service held entirely by candlelight
Description:
The Candlelight Christmas Eve Service in Red Deer offers a serene retreat from holiday hustle. As darkness falls, the church fills with the soft glow of hundreds of candles, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection. The service incorporates centuries-old carols and readings, connecting participants to long-standing traditions. Attendees can participate in the symbolic passing of the light, a practice that dates back to early Christian observances. The gentle flicker of flames casts dancing shadows, enhancing the contemplative mood. This event provides a moment of peace and unity amidst the season's festivities.
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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Winter Wonderland @ Bower Ponds
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in a beautifully lit natural setting
Description:
Winter Wonderland @ Bower Ponds transforms this natural area into a hub of cold-weather fun. The frozen pond becomes a picturesque ice skating rink, surrounded by trees adorned with twinkling lights. Visitors can glide across the ice or warm up by outdoor fire pits. The site, originally a gathering place for Indigenous peoples, now hosts this annual celebration of winter. Try your hand at ice sculpting or embark on a moonlit snowshoe trek through the illuminated trails. This event embraces the beauty of the Canadian winter, offering a range of activities that highlight the season's unique charms.
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Winter Wonderland @ Bower Ponds
Nearby Events
Holiday Light Parade (Sylvan Lake)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats on the lake
Description:
Sylvan Lake's Holiday Light Parade brings illumination to the water's edge. This unique event features a procession of brightly lit floats that wind along the lakeshore, their reflections shimmering on the water's surface. The parade, which began as a small community gathering, now draws spectators from across the region. Visitors can warm up with locally-made apple cider while watching the dazzling display. Each float competes for the title of "Most Creative," encouraging participants to push the boundaries of light-based artistry. This lakeside spectacle offers a fresh take on the traditional holiday parade.
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Christmas Parade (Innisfail)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong community participation
Description:
Innisfail's Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit. This community-driven event sees local businesses, schools, and organizations come together to create a charming procession through the heart of town. The parade's history dates back to the early 1900s, evolving alongside the town itself. Spectators line the streets, bundled against the winter chill, as they cheer on their neighbors and friends. You might spot antique tractors decorated with lights or local dance troupes performing festive routines. This event embodies the close-knit nature of Innisfail, showcasing the town's pride and creativity.
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Santa Claus Parade (Ponoka)
What to Expect:
Interactive parade with focus on children's participation
Description:
Ponoka's Santa Claus Parade puts children at the center of the celebration. This interactive event encourages young participants to join in, whether by decorating their bicycles or walking alongside floats. The parade route winds through the town's historic downtown, passing buildings that have stood for over a century. Listen for the joyful sounds of local school bands playing holiday tunes. Children can drop their letters to Santa in special mailboxes along the route, a tradition that began in the 1950s. This parade creates lasting memories for Ponoka's youngest residents while honoring the town's rich heritage.
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Sylvan Lake Christmas Market (Sylvan Lake)
What to Expect:
Lakeside market combining indoor and outdoor shopping experiences
Description:
The Sylvan Lake Christmas Market offers a unique shopping experience that embraces its lakeside setting. Vendors set up both indoors and along the shoreline, creating a diverse marketplace against a stunning natural backdrop. The market showcases local artisans, many of whom draw inspiration from the lake and surrounding landscape. Visitors can browse handcrafted goods while enjoying views of the frozen lake. This event builds on Sylvan Lake's long history as a resort town, attracting visitors since the early 1900s. Sample locally-produced holiday treats as you explore the stalls, each offering a piece of Central Alberta's creativity.