Just because it gets colder outside, doesn’t mean we have to stay in and watch reruns. Airdrie has a wide variety of events and activities for all ages — right through the season. As our deadlines make it hard to capture all goings-on, be sure to visit our event page at airdrielife.com or, better yet — join our a-list e-newsletter and get the weekly details sent right to your inbox!
Of course, the biggest and most renown event in Airdrie during the winter is the 28th annual Airdrie Festival of Lights, presented by Vesta, open every night from Dec. 1 – 31 between 6 and 9 p.m. The largest free walk-through light show in Western Canada (admission by donation) features thousands (and thousands) of lights in magical displays throughout Nose Creek Regional Park. Several special events are planned and highlighted in our calendar, below. See all the festival news at airdrielights.com.
FORTIS ALBERTA LIGHT UP THE NIGHTS AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 1, 5:30 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
Join us for a magical evening where we’ll create that enchanting scene you’ve seen in all your favourite Christmas movies!
Here’s what you can expect: The gigantic “switch” that ignites the Community Tree lights. And a
A wave of magic that “lights up” the entire park, display by display. But that’s not all! We’re working with Airdrie Professional Firefighters to revive an old Airdrie tradition — the Candy Cane Run! They’ll be giving out sweet treats to everyone attending, bringing back memories of the good old days.
FortisAlberta will also be serving FREE Hot dogs to guests, while supplies last.
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is a cherished tradition, and this year’s Light Up The Night will elevate that tradition while honouring an old one. This is an event we’re committed to continuing every year.
Don’t miss out on this magical kickoff to the holiday season! Mark your calendars and join us for a night to remember.
MOONLIGHT MADNESS
DEC. 1. 6 – 9 P.M., locations throughout Airdrie
A city-wide annual holiday shopping extravaganza with extended shopping hours, discounted deals, door prizes and a unique holiday shopping experience.
SANTA’S GIFT SHOP AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 1 – 31, 6 – 9 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
Back by popular demand is Santa’s Gift Shop, presented by Cobblestone Creek and Lanark Landing. Located right by the Poinsettia Arch at the main entrance to the park. Do your holiday shopping, right at the Festival! They’ve got tons of great gift ideas for every budget.
AIRDRIE FARMER’S MARKET DECEMBER MARKET
DEC. 2, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Dr. N.E.
One final stop in the AFM season. Take in the indoor market and find baking, crafts and last-minute handmade gifts for everyone.
AIRDRIE BOYS’ & GIRLS CLUB HOLIDAY MARKET
DEC. 2 – 3, 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. B&GC Airdrie, 200 East Lake Cres. N.E.
The annual Holiday Market is one of B&GC Airdrie’s most popular traditions and offers something for everyone in our community. Visit and support 30 local vendors who sell a variety of gifts, goodies and the perfect gifts for someone special for this festive season.
SINGFEST 2023 – A NIGHT OF HOLIDAY CHEER
DEC. 2, 6 P.M. Bert Church Theatre, 1000 East Lake Blvd. N.E.
The Airdrie Community Choir presents an evening of holiday music. Tickets $20, with proceeds donated to the Airdrie 1st Christmas Hamper Program. Tickets.airdrie.ca
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
DEC. 5, 5 P.M. Main Street
The big man himself makes his big appearance for kids of all ages in a fun evening of local floats, music, lights and dancing! This annual tradition attracts 10,000 spectators!
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PRESENTED BY BERT CHURCH HIGH SCHOOL
DEC. 7 – 9 Bert Church Theatre, 1000 East Lake Blvd. N.E.
The classic story of Beauty and the Beast tells of Belle, a spirited young woman trapped in a quaint provincial town, and the Beast, a handsome prince cursed by a mysterious enchantress. In a race against time, the Beast must discover the true meaning of love, for only then can the curse be shattered and he be transformed back into a human. But the clock is ticking and the stakes couldn’t be higher! If the Beast fails to grasp the essence of love, he and his entire household will be condemned to an eternity as inanimate objects. Will love conquer all before it’s too late? With classic songs by legendary composer Howard Ashman such as Beauty and the Beast, Gaston and Be Our Guest, and beloved characters like Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts, Bert Church High School will take audiences on a magical journey through one of Disney’s biggest hits! Tickets.airdrie.ca
CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN
DEC. 8, 5:45 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
In support of the Airdrie Food Bank, the CPKC Holiday Train stops at the Airdrie Festival of Lights parking area for a lively concert at 5:45 p.m. sharp featuring Tenille Townes and Aysanabee. Stay and wander through the lights after!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS
DEC. 9, 7:30 P.M. The Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts, 261051 Wagon Wheel View, Rocky View County
Festive and classical music featuring Liz Tremblay, cello. rockymountainsymphony.ca/tickets
VICTORIAN SKATING PARTY AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 9, 6 – 9 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
Nose Creek Valley Museum is hosting an old-fashioned skating party at the Airdrie Festival of Lights. Bring your skates or visit the skate shack for free rentals. The Victorian Society of Alberta will be on hand — be sure to get a photo taken with them.
A CLAUS FOR CELEBRATION WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
DEC. 9, 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. B&GC, 200 East Lake Cres. N.E.
$10 per child ages 4 – 12 (children three and under are free). Each child gets a hot chocolate, cookie, candy cane and one gift to choose for someone at the Mrs. Claus gift shop for kids! Additional tickets can be purchased for $5. Bring your camera to get pictures with Santa!
A LOUISIANA HAYRIDE CHRISTMAS SHOW
DEC. 12, 7:30 P.M. Bert Church Theatre, 1000 East Lake Blvd. N.E.
The cast of Louisiana Hayride are bringing a special holiday show with “Elvis, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Crystal Gayle, Buddy Holly, Shania Twain” and more singing their hits and their favourite Christmas songs. Plus, the cast treats you to more Christmas songs and stories as themselves — a magical Christmas journey from beginning to end. Tickets.airdrie.ca
EMERGENCY SERVICES NIGHT AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 15, 6 – 9 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
The Airdrie Fire Department, Airdrie RCMP, Airdrie EMS and STARS Air Ambulance will be filling the various volunteer positions this evening. Make sure to say hello and let them know what a GLOWing job they are doing. They’ll also be setting up booths where you can learn more about each of these valuable services. Some will even be bringing their vehicles for you to tour!
FEEL THE GLOW AFTER HOURS AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 16, 9 P.M. – MIDNIGHT Nose Creek Regional Park
It’s the Airdrie Festival of Lights’ second annual after-hours 18+ event in partnership with 948 Brewing Co. and Atlas Brewing Co. Cover charge $15. Tickets at airdrielights.com
BUMBLES’ BIG CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
DEC. 21-24, EVENING AND MATINEE Bert Church Theatre, 1000 East Lake Blvd. N.E.
It’s an exciting time in Santa’s workshop as the elves get ready for Christmas Day. Bumbles — the happy, snappy, never-nappy elf — is especially excited as he helps to make the toys and clean the workshop in preparation for Santa’s big arrival. It’s a thrill for elves and children, alike, when Santa arrives, and all is well until that fateful moment when Santa entrusts Bumbles with the all-important jar of Christmas magic. When everything goes awry, it appears that Christmas is doomed, but Santa has confidence in Bumbles’ ability to fix his mistake. The question is, can Bumbles get the magic back in time to save Christmas? Join Santa and his elves (plus the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy!) for a gripping adventure in which Bumbles learns that the key to big success is found in just one little word: Persist! tickets.airdrie.ca
SMITTY’S FAMILY FUN NIGHT AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 23, 6 – 9 P.M. Nose Creek Regional Park
A full evening of fun and a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer. Santa will also be there from 7-8 p.m. It’s your last chance to share your Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf ahead of his biggest day of the year. Please note: Pets will not be allowed anywhere near the reindeer.
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
DEC. 31, 6:30 P.M. (FIREWORKS COMMENCE)
Ed Egerrer Athletic Park. 800 East Lake Blvd. N.E. (next to Genesis Place)
Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the new year with a dazzling 15-minute fireworks display! Join your friends and family to celebrate New Year’s Eve and enjoy the dazzling show. A tradition you do not want to miss! This free event is hosted by the City of Airdrie and is open to all. This year’s fireworks will start at the family-friendly time of 6:30 p.m. Please dress warm.
For 2024 events check out our event calendar here.
