Everything you need to know to check out Airdrie Festival of Lights
The Christmas season brings about delicious cookies, adorable decorations and, of course, gorgeous displays of lights spread across the city as far as the eye in the night sky can see. Using Christmas lights to celebrate the holiday season actually began back when they replaced real candles, as these were the first items ever used to decorate a Christmas tree. Today, you see Christmas lights adorning homes, businesses, handrails, mantels – you name it! These little bulbs come in so many colours for so many uses that we as a society have created a tradition of going to see Christmas lights each year. For a spectacular display, head just out of the city to see what the Airdrie Festival of Lights brings to the holiday season this year.
What: The 23rdAnnual Airdrie Festival of Lights
For 23 years, Airdrie has put on a phenomenal display of Christmas lights for all to see. In 1996, Stan Softley had a dream to provide the best Christmas light display in Airdrie. Over the years, this dream grew and people began to follow, slowly accumulating more and more individuals dedicated to making the holidays sparkle. The Festival of Lights Society was created and now employs hundreds of volunteers who make the festival possible and affordable to Airdrie residents each year.
Where: Nose Creek Park, Airdrie
The festival happens right in the heart of Airdrie’s beautiful Nose Creek Park. Pets on leashes are welcome at the event, however, they will not be permitted in the festival tent where food is served.
When: December 1-31, 2018
This festival glows each and every night in December, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Head to the park any night between 6-9pm to see the lights twinkle away in countless shapes and sizes.
Cost: No cost!
The Festival of Lights is put on by countless sponsors so that residents can enjoy the lights at no charge. Donations are gratefully accepted to help cover some of the costs of running the festival. Suggested donations are $10-$20/family or $1-$5/person if you are arriving in a large group or on a bus. More than $200,000has been donated back into the community from the festival so your donations are greatly appreciated by all your neighbours. If you would like to donate ahead of time, please visit Paypal here. If you would prefer to donate offline, please email the Airdrie Festival of lights at coordinator@airdriefestivaloflights.com.
Why: Because it’s Christmas – duh!
Stan Softley dreamt of a family-oriented, budget-friendly event to bring Airdrie residents together each year in the spirit of Christmas. And it worked! Don’t miss the 23rdannual Airdrie Festival of Lights this December. Starting this Saturday, Airdrie will be sparkling and twinkling each night thanks to Chinook Gate, many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer as an individual, as a group or help fundraise for the event, please visit airdriefestivaloflights.com.