Skating, parades, and holiday lights: Airdrie's December events line-up you won't want to miss

With December less than a week away and Christmas only one month away, many residents wonder what festive holiday events are happening across Airdrie.

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• Airdrie 2024 Santa Claus Parade map is revealed

Airdrie's holiday season is kicking off this weekend, with two beloved events returning to the city.

• Saturday, November 30:

  • The Annual Holiday Market, a popular tradition hosted by BGC Airdrie Club, is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring 30 local vendors each week offering a variety of gifts and treats for the holiday season. Other dates for the holiday market include December 1, December 7, and 8. The market is held at 200 East Lake Cresent

• Sunday, December 1:

  • The Sirens Hockey Game will be held from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ron Ebessen Twin Arena, 200 East Lake Crescent NE. Entry is by donation to the Airdrie 1st Holiday Hamper Program.

  • Airdrie's Festival of Lights, along with Fortis Alberta, presents Light Up the Night at Nose Creek Parkl! from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. - which will signal the opening of the Festival of Lights 29th season in the city. The event will feature carolling with the Airdrie Community Choir and a tree-lighting countdown. Free hot dogs will be available starting at 6:15 p.m. (while supplies last). The local Fire Department will also hand out candy canes during the Candy Cane Run. Air 106.1 FM will broadcast live, offering a chance to win a jeep. The GLOWing season will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

And if you're in the mood for s'mores and some cozy fire-side chats, the City of Airdrie is announcing the soft opening of Northeast Regional Park on Saturday, November 30. The park's initial features include walking trails and a seasonal skating loop.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 273118 Range Road 292 Northeast. It will feature activities such as trail exploration, s’mores by the fire, family-friendly activities, and food trucks.

• Saturday, December 7: 

  • The 2024 Airdrie Santa Claus Parade starts at 5:00 p.m., with staging beginning at 4:30 p.m. Main Street will be closed for the event, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees. A map of this year's parade route has been released.

• Friday, December 13: 

  • The CPKC Holiday Train will stop in Airdrie on December 13, 2024, bringing festive cheer to the Festival of Lights. This event features live entertainment from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a visit from the illuminated train. Volunteers will collect donations for local food banks. In addition, attendees can enjoy a train ride through the light displays, hot chocolate, and festive shopping. The event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Nose Creek Park. 

• Monday, December 23:

  • Genesis Place will host a free public skating event with Santa from 1 to 5 p.m., where families can enjoy skating and take pictures with Santa on the ice. Skaters should bring their skates, and helmets are recommended for all participants aged 12 and under.

• Tuesday, December 31 (New Year's Eve)

  • Airdrie will celebrate New Year's Eve with a family-friendly fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park. Before the fireworks, enjoy free family skate sessions at Genesis Place (9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.), with skates required. Helmets are highly recommended for skaters aged 12 and under. The fireworks and skating events are free and open to all, but attendees should dress warmly and bring hot drinks.

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