Christmas cheer will shine bright this Sunday as Woodlawn Regional Park hosts its annual Christmas in the Park celebration, kicking off the Festival of Lights. The event runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Doug Third Hall, offering a free evening of holiday fun for all ages.
“We’re lucky to have some sponsors for our event, Southern Plains Co-op Ltd being one of them," said Maureen Daoust, Woodlawn Regional Park Manager. "They’ll be there offering free hotdogs and hot chocolate.”
Families can also look forward to road hockey with the Estevan Bears U18 AAA Hockey Club, Christmas crafts with the Estevan Art Gallery & Museum, and sleigh rides on the Preddy Trails. Additionally, “Wanda Harron Photography will be there to take pictures with our special guest, Santa!” Daoust mentioned.
Moreover, a winter campfire will offer warmth and ambiance, and the evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display by CanFire, starting at 6:30 p.m.
“They put on an amazing show last year, and they’re coming back to do it again," Daoust said. "We’re hoping they’ll add music this year, so if people want to watch from their cars with the windows down, they can enjoy that, too.”
Following the fireworks, the Festival of Lights will officially begin, running nightly from December 15 to January 1. Visitors can drive through the park to admire displays from about 55 participants. The lights will come on at dusk and stay lit until around 11:00 p.m.
“The Festival of Lights is free to anyone,” Daoust said. “We did put up a donation box at the end of the route, so you’re welcome to make a donation if you can or want to, but there is definitely no obligation. It’s just our community trying to spread some Christmas cheer.”
Drivers can also tune their radios to FM station 88.9 for Christmas music and special greetings from participants.
Christmas in the Park and the Festival of Lights are among Estevan’s most beloved traditions, offering families a chance to celebrate the season together.