The City of Chestermere will kick off its annual celebration of the holiday season on Nov. 27 during the Winter Lights Festival at John Peake Memorial Park.
The celebration will include a full evening of festive and family-friendly activities, including horse-drawn wagon rides, miniature train rides, marshmallow roasting, and a hot chocolate station sponsored by Chestermere’s Tim Hortons. Ending the evening on a bright note, fire spinner performers will entertain attendees by dancing with fire under the park pavilion, followed by a firework display over Chestermere Lake.
Nancie Huneault, the City’s culture and special events planner, said the Winter Lights Festival has become a popular holiday tradition since it first launched in 2017.
“We have typically seen very good attendance at this event and a lot of positive feedback from residents and visitors who can enjoy the display throughout the season,” she said in an email, adding the festival is a fun way for Chestermerians to start the holiday season.
“This year is also special as we were not able to host a full event last year due to the pandemic. This year, we invite residents and visitors to join us again in celebration of the winter season and safely enjoy some amazing activities.”
One new addition to the festival this year is called Storybook Lane, an activity hosted by the Chestermere Public Library. According to Huneault, participants will be able to decorate and hang an ornament on the Literary Tree, pose for family photos and then pick up a gingerbread man decorating kit to enjoy at home.
Attendees can also stock up on holiday pickling and baking treats from Karol’s Korner Kreations, Huneault added.
While the festival is a one-day event, for those who cannot make it, Huneault said John Peake Memorial Park will be illuminated with dozens of bright Christmas light displays every evening until mid-January. Anyone strolling past the lakeside park in the evening will be able to check out the festive light displays.
