Small Town Alberta Christmas Events 2021
Alberta is full of amazing events and communities that come together each year to celebrate the holiday season.
Whether it’s a parade, lighting of Christmas trees, or full on forests dripping in magical lights and Santa Claus visits, there are small towns throughout Alberta that make it worth a day trip to see what’s happening.
If you’re looking for new traditions, something different, or a cool date idea, put these small town events on your calendars to check out the local markets and bring some love to your fellow Albertans.
Note: Not all these towns are “small”, but relative to some places they are for the purpose of this post. Some links on this page contain affiliate links which are no cost to you should you purchase something from the link.
South Region of Alberta
Lethbridge
December 2 – 4, 2021
Big Christmas Farmer’s Market and Trade Show
Enjoy a festive family celebration as you wander through Santa’s workshop, the North Pole, South Pole and Reindeer Run. Support local producers and artisans, snap a photo a photo with Santa, hit up our hot cocoa bar and then warm up while you toast marshmallows on our outdoor fire.
Pincher Creek
December 31, 2021
Castle Mountain Resort 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Just because the sun has gone down doesn’t mean the fun has to!
Night Skiing on Green is back and what better way to spend New Year’s Eve then with family & friends skiing under the lights. Most runs accessible by the Green Chair will be open during this event, including jumps & rails for those a little more adventurous.
Calgary Region
Banff
November 20 – December 19, 2021 – Weekends
December 20 – 30, 2021 – Daily
Tis’ the season of magic and wonder in Banff. Starting November 20, the Banff Gondola transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with Santa’s Workshop and other Christmas delights.
The whole family will love the special surprises we have in store, from the ice sculptures and carollers to a holiday-themed lunch at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen and a holiday cocktail bar. And don’t forget to get a photo with the big guy in red himself.
Calgary
November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Calgary Zoo, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is back for its 25th year! Calgary’s award winning, magical holiday tradition will be glowing for six weeks of festive family-friendly fun. Enjoy all the magic of ZOOLIGHTS while supporting wildlife conservation – it’s a win-win!
West Central Region
Sylvan Lake
December 1, 2021
Sylvan Lake Pier at Lakeshore Drive and 50 Street
The Winter Village lights up our dark skies December through March. One of the “must travel to” winter experiences of Central Alberta. Every December, the annual Winter Village holiday light show illuminates the Sylvan Lake Pier. The yearly light-up has become a dazzling tradition for Sylvan Lake with the Winter Village nestled on the lakefront in the heart of the downtown. 304,000 LED lights go into the Winter Village that glow, twinkle, dance, and change color in the trees overhead.
Red Deer
December 11 & 12, 2021
Red Deer MADE Christmas Market
Westerner Park – Parkland Pavilion
Over 90 spectacular ARTISANS! MAKERS! FOODIES! – offering you a “made with love” holiday shopping experience!
East Central Region
Lloydminster
November 19, 20, 21, 2021
Christmas Craft Fair & Chamber Expo
Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds
33 years strong and loved by everyone. This is the largest Christmas Market in the midwest, you aren’t going to want to miss it!
Stettler
December 10, 11, 2021
Country Christmas 4:00pm – 7pm Friday, 11:00am – 7:00pm Saturday
Agriplex
Singing by the Mennonite Youth Choir, Santa wish list and photos, bring your pets with a picture of Santa, and stroll thought more than 80 vendors to shop local this Christmas season.
Northwest Region
Devon
November 27, 2021
Christmas in the Park is proud to announce this year’s Merry & Bright, 2021 Light Parade, bringing the festive feeling of Christmas in the Park to the whole town.
Leduc
December 1, 2021
Take a family stroll to enjoy some fresh country air at the popular Leduc Country Lights. Bundle up the family and drive South for this tradition put on by the Kinsmen Club of Leduc. You can even bring along your beloved four-legged family member (as long as they remain on leash!). This light display is completely outdoors at the Leduc West Antique Society.
Gibbons
November 19, 2021 – January 9, 2022
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Longriders RV Park
We are currently transforming 7 gorgeous green acres of Longrider’s RV Park, located just off Highway 28A in Gibbons into an enchanting and magical illuminated forest. Families will be able to explore our outdoor experience on foot this year, in two hour time slots, and participate in a variety of activities that will be available. From Horse-drawn sleigh rides to visiting Santa at his workshop, holiday fun will be right at everyone’s fingertips this year!
Northeast Region
Vegreville
November 20, 2021
Vegreville Centennial Library Gymnasium 10am – 5:00pm,
Vegreville Social Centre Overflow Parking Lot Outdoor Family Fun 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Vegreville Ag Grounds 5pm – 7pm
Celebrate with the Town of Vegreville when the community comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. The day will feature gifts galore at the annual Christmas market, unique handicrafts and art for all tastes, festive family activities, and a special visit from Santa at the annual Christmas Light Up Parade.
Sherwood Park
November 13 – 14, 2021
Over 70 food and beverage vendors on hand. Go and discover all the amazing and delicious items that they have to offer.
Get started on your Christmas shopping with gourmet gifts! There is something for everyone!
https://www.facebook.com/whollyhandmade
Strathcona County
November 27, 28
Welcome in winter with a trip to the country. Christmas in the Heartland is a driving tour of four unique venues steeped in tradition. Local halls and churches will be filled with artisans and crafters, ice carvings, nativity displays, sleigh rides, holiday carolling and more. Local venues will be featuring different aspects of a traditional christmas – Good Hope Hall, Moyer Rec Centre, Bethany Lutheran Church and Josephburg Community Church.
Lac La Biche
November 25 – 28, 2021
Lac La Biche Festival of Trees
Bold Center
The best way to celebrate the Christmas season is by giving hope and love to those who need it most. The annual Lac La Biche Festival is dedicated to providing funding for many of the non-profit children groups, school clubs and music programs in the community.
Bonnyville
November 27, 28, 2021
Chamber Christmas Craft Show & Expo
Bonnyville Centennial Centre
Bid on Your Favourite Trees, Take a photo with Santa, shop local, and stay for Wine tasting
Fort McMurray
November and December 2021
Christmas Celebrations: Christmas Craft Show, Parades & Christmas Parties
Christmas 2021 is here and it’s happening! A lot of Christmas Eve events like Gospel Choirs, Brunch, Santa Claus Gift Distribution, Christmas Dinners in Fort McMurray and more are happening. People bring small Christmas Trees in their houses and decorate it, children sing Christmas carols, families go on Christmas and New Year 2021 vacation for a week and celebrate it with diverse cultures. Apart from vacays, there is still a lot more to do! Explore some of the best Christmas events & activities near you and get your tickets booked to scrumptious buffets, dinners and gala nights! Make Christmas Eve 2021 a memorable one with interesting activities & events to get yourself all set for New Year 2021 as well!
At Christmas, all roads lead home
Marjorie Holmes
Peace Region
High Prairie
November 26, 2021 4:00-9:30pm
High Prairie Legion
Treat yourself to fresh local produce, delicious baking and unique treasures.
Peace River
November 26, 2021
Riverfront Park, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Kick-off your holiday season by joining us for caroling, complimentary hot dogs, hot chocolate, a fireworks display and the lighting of Town Christmas lights! Free event
Grande Prairie
November 19 – 29th, 2021
Bonnets Energy Centre
Tinseltown Winter Market is Not Yo’ Average Winter Market!❄ Get all your gifts in one place. The 2nd Annual Winter Market in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House. Celebrate the season, support local and small businesses.
Sexsmith
November 18 – 20th, 2021
Bigger and better for 2021, the event includes the town light-up, farmers Christmas market, and activities for children.
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