STONY PLAIN, AB: Gear up for a month of holiday joy! Winter Fest is around the corner! Join us for a series of free activities and events the Town is hosting during the month of December to help residents get into the festive spirit.

Winter Fest kicks off December 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street with Winter Light Up, an evening of local shopping, and the lighting of the Town Tree. Local businesses will provide holiday treats, and a DJ will set the mood with favourite holiday songs. Santa will arrive for family photos, and at 8 p.m., he will join Mayor William Choy for the official tree lighting ceremony. Don’t forget to bring a donation such as non-perishables, toys, gift cards or money, for the Kinsmen Christmas Hampers. Donations can be brought to the Kinsmen BBQ the evening of the light up event or to Town Office throughout the month.

“Winter Light Up is a beloved local tradition that brings the spirit of the season to the community. This event offers a wonderful chance to get out, discover the charm of local businesses, and spread some festive joy among neighbors,” says Mayor Choy. “It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the lighting of our Town Tree.”

In addition to Winter Light Up, Stony Plain is bringing back its online advent calendar which will run throughout December. Family-friendly holiday activities can be found daily on the Advent Calendar featuring festive recipes, activities, colouring contests, and more.

End the year with a bang at Family Fest, the Town’s New Year’s celebration. Festivities start at 6 p.m. at Heritage Park with a light dinner, hot chocolate, DJ and dance, skating, horse and wagon rides, face painting, photobooth and of course…fireworks, beginning at 9 p.m. Please remember to bring a donation for the Parkland Food Bank.

“We're delighted to host Winter Fest and all its family-friendly events. December promises to be a month filled with fun, local shopping, and community spirit. Join us as we welcome in the holiday season!” says Event Coordinator Tevra Graham.

For more information on all Winter Fest activities, visit the Winter Fest webpage.