With long winter nights come the beautiful festive lights that grace the outside of our homes throughout the Christmas season. This custom was borrowed from Pagan Yule rituals that celebrated the return of light from the sun as the days grew longer after the winter solstice.
In Red Deer, you can partake in this season of light by heading outdoors for a spectacular winter lights tour, self-driven or maybe by foot. You will want to check out City Hall Park’s fantastical display of100,000 lights or head to Capstone for all their festive decorations; look for a unique display on top of the Fountain Building in Canada 150 Square.
The Christmas Light Tour is compiled by AJ Elliot and his father Jim each year; it is another way to take in some of the city’s most eye-catching outdoor Christmas displays. Click on the Route links to the Google My Maps for seven individual tours:
Route A: Starts at Jordan Parkway at Johnstone Drive and ends at 189 Garrison Circle. Includes North Areas of Red Deer.
Route B: Starts at 40 Jamieson Avenue and ends at 19 Ockley Close. Includes the West Areas of Red Deer.
Route C: Starts at 5920 Gaetz Avenue and ends at NB Barrett Dr @ Molly Banister Dr. Includes the West Areas of Red Deer, including Riverside meadows, Fairview, Capstone, West Park and Bower.
Route D: Starts at 3209 Spruce Dr and ends at 4916B 48 Ave. Includes Central East Areas
Route E: Starts at 2 Selkirk Blvd and ends at 10 Lord Close. Includes the Southeast and East Areas
Route F: Starts at 4335 30 Avenue and ends at 46 Crossley St. Includes Central East areas
Route G: Starts at 5 Douglas Ave and ends at Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre Ice Sculptures
Why not hire a limo service like Arrow Limousine and Sedan Services for something extraordinary and take in these beautiful light displays in style.
Heritage Ranch is always a pleasure with their Winter Lights Tour; Horse Drawn sleigh rides through a 50,000 Holiday lights display with Hot Chocolate provided. You can also participate in their Friends & Family Package and start your evening with a delicious 3-course dining experience before venturing out for the perfect evening.
Feel the spirit of the season with a walk through the Waskasoo Park Trail System. Along the way, you will be surprised to find festive displays, as many of the trees have been decorated by fellow Red Deerians for all to enjoy; perhaps you’re one of them.
The Town of Sylvan Lake also offers a self-guided Twinkle Tour from December 15 to January 2, featuring some of the best Christmas displays in town. Take your skates along and add to your festive outing at the beautifully lit Winter Village for glow skating on the lake.
Light up Blackfalds Christmas Tour showcases the various Christmas lights and decorations situated throughout the town. You can find a map of the lights by clicking on Town Of Blackfalds Christmas Lights.
The City of Lacombe Lights up the Night Celebrations includes Cranna Lake with spectacular fireworks displays against a wintry backdrop happening Friday, December 17 at 8:00 pm. You can take in the beautiful lights of Lacombe featured in their Community Lights Competition by clicking here.
The Town of Stettler celebrates the season with their 3rd annual Twinkle Tour; highlights include Candy Cane Lane (Main Street Stettler), the Maruk Christmas Lights (4209 - 63 Street) and the Light the Night Tour at the Stettler Town and Country Museum.
For more inspiration on enjoying this festive season go to our Tourism Red Deer Website Stories or visit our Events Calendar.
