The annual Lights Up! celebration will be returning in its full form next Friday (Nov. 25).
The event will take place at Fort Saskatchewan City Hall and will be both an indoor and outdoor celebration, a change from last year's completely outdoor format.
Arthur Lewandowski, the community events and tourism specialist for the city, is excited to bring the holiday spirit to Fort Sask.
"We have a fantastic lineup of activities for people to do," said Lewandowski. "One of the favourites is taking pictures with jolly old Saint Nick, we have some fire pits set out for people to stay warm, and we have the Yellowhead rail club showcasing one of their model trains displays..."
New additions to this year's celebration include a holiday petting zoo outside of city hall that will feature sheep and potentially a donkey as well as the Indigenous Society of Fort Saskatchewan putting on a cultural display inside.
The kids will have a chance to meet with not only Santa as Elsa and Ana from Frozen, the Grinch, Mr. Reindeer, and a friendly Elf will also be in attendance to take photos with.
As is tradition, Mayor Gale Katchur will read out 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' at around 7:15 p.m. before they flip the switch on the Christmas lights at about 7:30 p.m.
Some cookies and hot chocolate will also be provided by Dow.
Here are some of the other things you can expect at the celebration:
- Erin L. Gott Studios students singing Christmas carols
- Indigenous drummers near the fire pits
- Photo booth with take-away pictures
- Fire trucks on display.
For more information on the event, you can visit their website here.