Red Deer Lights the Nights means not just lighting up one night, but many. Throughout the season, family-friendly events and activities take place across downtown and beyond. Visit City Hall Park after November 22 to admire the lights and be sure to check out Ross Street Patio through the season to find festive fun waiting for all to enjoy.
There’s a story in all of us and we want to hear yours! Flex your creative holiday mind for a chance to win a prize. Open to Red Deer youth, teens, and adults to write a short poem or story (fiction or creative non-fiction) with a maximum length of 500 words about the holiday season in Red Deer. Top stories will be published on the We Are Red Deer website.
Submission deadline: December 9, 2024 at midnight
For more information, visit the Red Deer Arts Council website.
Saturday, November 16: 10a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery: 4525 47A Avenue
A variety of local artisans will have their talents and treasures on display for purchase in out permanent exhibit space, Remarkable Red Deer. Think local and unique for gifts this holiday season. Free to attend, everyone welcome!
For more information, visit the MAG's Rare & Remarkable Artisan Market web page.
November 16 & 17: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Ave
Come for a market full of local, homemade products and get your holiday shopping done early with our fantastic vendors!
Drop-in. Everyone welcome. Free to attend.
For more information, call 403-346-2010 ext 104 or visit waskasoopark.ca
November 22: 4 - 7 p.m.
Ross Street Patio & Veterans Park
Santa Claus is coming to downtown Red Deer! Bring the whole family to meet Santa in person. Kids can participate in fun winter games and activities and pick up an activity bag from the friendly team at Family Services of Central Alberta. Cozy up by the firepits while your children sip-on hot chocolate before taking a family walk through City Hall Park’s light display. Visit the DBA's Frost Street Patio Party web page for more information.
Sunday, December 1: 12 - 3 p.m.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Ave
Bring the family for some snowshoe fun, no experience necessary! Our snowshoes fit 3 years and up; you are welcome to bring a sled for your very littles. Be sure to dress for the weather to stay comfortable and warm while enjoying some time together in the beautiful Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.
Everyone welcome. $3/person or $10/family. Drop-in. Snowshoes are first-come, first-served. Last snowshoes go out at 3:00 p.m.
No high heels on boots, please. Program runs snow levels and temperature permitting. Temperature cut off is -25 including windchill.
For more information, call 403-346-2010 ext 104 or visit waskasoopark.ca
Tuesday, December 3: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Ave
Cuddle up to some cozy crafting using one of the best materials out there: wool felt. Using repurposed sweaters, we're making ornaments to bring holiday cheer!
All materials provided.
Ages 14 & Up. $15 + GST/person. Pre-registration required. Call 403-346-2010 or go to www.waskasoopark.ca for more info or to register.
Friday, December 6: 4 – 7 p.m.
Join the Downtown Twinkle Tour on December 6th for a festive evening of holiday fun! Embark on a scavenger hunt and visit decorated shopfronts to complete the quest and be entered to win a $300 prize package. Enjoy late-night shopping at participating businesses and keep an eye out for the hidden Christmas pickle to win more exciting prizes. Along your journey, take in the dazzling City Hall light display and explore the winter market. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
For more information, visit the Downtown Business Association website.
December 6: 3 - 7 p.m.
December 7: 12 - 7 p.m.
Millennium Centre, 4909 49 Street
Get ready for the Downtown Winter Market! This annual market is a shopper’s paradise, featuring unique and handmade products from a variety of vendors, live entertainment and a photobooth. Looking for unique gift ideas? The Downtown Winter Market has got you covered! As an AFMA Approved Market you can be sure you are supporting Alberta made products, hand produced by local small businesses. Visit www.downtownreddeer.com for more information.
December 6 & 7
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Red Deer neighbourhoods
Head to your sidewalk or gather friends and find a green space to wave to Santa and his elves. Check back soon for neighbourhood bus routes and watch the MyBus app for live location feeds on the tour nights.
Santa's Bus Tour Route - December 6 (pdf)
Santa's Bus Tour Route - December 7 (pdf)
December 7
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Red Deer Arts Council, #6 - 4919 – 49th Street
A free family event to celebrate the holiday season. Drop in and decorate Christmas cookies, have some hot chocolate and meet some new friends! Join in the fun activities while you wait to see the Santa Bus roll on by at the end of the evening. Visit www.reddeerartscouncil.ca for more information.
There’s a story or poem in all of us and we want to read yours. Embrace the chill of winter and create a winter themed story or poem for a chance to win a prize. Open to Red Deer youth, teens, and adults to write a short poem or story (fiction or creative non-fiction) with a maximum length of 500 words about the holiday season in Red Deer. Top stories will be published on the We Are Red Deer website. Deadline for submission is midnight on Jan 15th.
Submission deadline: January 15, 2024 at midnight
For more information, visit the Red Deer Arts Council website.
Thursday, December 12: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue
Come for an evening full of activities about interesting space phenomena: Gamma waves, black holes, alien signals, the life of an astronaut on the ISS, and more (including outside stargazing, weather permitting). Short planetarium shows (half hour length) at 6:45 & 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Drop-in, Everyone welcome. Pay what you will (suggested donation $3/person or $10/family). Visit www.waskasoopark.ca for more information.
December 13 & 14
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Red Deer neighbourhoods
Head to your sidewalk or gather friends and find a green space to wave to Santa and his elves. Check back soon for neighbourhood bus routes and watch the MyBus app for live location feeds on the tour nights.
Santa's Bus Tour Route - December 13 (pdf)
Santa's Bus Tour Route - December 14 (pdf)
Saturday, December 21: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue
Get some last-minute (kid free) shopping done and be home in time for lunch! We'll keep them busy with games, crafts, activities, and treats.
Ages 6 to 12. Pre-registration required. $12/youth. Call 403-346-2010 or go to waskasoopark.ca for more info or to register.
If you have questions about Red Deer Lights the Nights, please contact our Community Development team at 403-406-8820 or culturemailbox@reddeer.ca.