Can you believe that we’re already halfway through December? Christmas is less than two weeks away and while you’re likely going to spend much of that time shopping for last minute gifts and making preparations for guests we hope that you’ve left some time to take in some of the great gatherings occurring in Central Alberta. Two weeks ago our real estate team delivered event recommendations to launch the holiday season but now that we’re in the thick of it we thought we’d follow up with a more comprehensive look at what’s happening within our communities. Whether you’re a long time resident or are considering a move to Central Alberta we welcome you to join us at one or more of the following events.

Our Real Estate Team’s December 2015 Christmas Event Recommendations for Central Alberta

Ice Sculptures @ Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre – Daily Until December 15

Red Deer’s favorite garden centre on Highway 11 becomes a haven for holiday cheer in December. People come from all over Central Alberta to make an afternoon or evening out of viewing the ice sculptures on display. Expert sculptors offer their takes on traditional scenes and contemporary pop-culture themes, including renditions of kids’ favorite movie characters and the like. Bring a thermos full of hot chocolate/coffee and free up digital memory on your camera to capture the memorable panorama at Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre.

The Nutcracker Ballet @ RDC Arts Centre Mainstage – Dec 18-20 (1:30 PM / 7 PM)

No holiday season could be complete without an evening viewing of The Nutcracker Ballet. Enjoy magical visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy and more as students from the Red Deer College (RDC) Conservatory of Dance drape themselves in full costume and put their talents on display to deliver a Christmas tradition to all. Find tickets at www.blackknightinn.ca

Light Up the Village @ Innisfail Historical Village – Thur/Fri/Sat Until Dec 19 (5 to 7 PM)

You have until December 19 (every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening) to take in the breathtaking scene found at Innisfail Historical Village. Within you will find heritage buildings exquisitely decorated inside and out, dazzling all eyes and lenses laid upon them. Admission to the Village is $5 per person or $18 per family of five or more. For additional information on the event you can call the Innisfail Historical Village directly at 403-227-2906.

Christmas Eve Ice Skating @ Sylvan Lake Multiplex – Dec 24 (6:15 to 7:45 PM)

Ice skating may be a daily occurrence for residents in the Sylvan Lake area, be it on the lake or within the local Multiplex, but the most wonderful time of the year to join the public in doing so is on Christmas Eve. Bring your Santa hats for good measure and come with friends and/or family to cut a few figure 8’s before retiring for the evening.

Spreading Goodwill During the Holiday Season in Central Alberta – Until Dec 24 (anytime)

While not an “official” event, this addition is the most worthwhile on our list. This is the season for giving and there are residents in need whose hearts you could warm with your generosity. With so many communities in Central Alberta finding a non-profit organization that is close to your heart will be easy enough. For example, if in Sylvan Lake you could contact the Sylvan Lake Christmas Bureau. In Red Deer, the Loaves & Fishes Benevolent Society could use your helping hand. The Lacombe Family Community & Support Services (FCSS) has just launched their annual Christmas programs in support of local families. The opportunities to spread goodwill during the holidays are endless, and we encourage you to do so if you are able. Without question, this experience is the most rewarding of all.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the seasonal affairs detailed above. If you don’t happen upon our blog again before 25th then know that the Dusty Smith Real Estate Team wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Red Deer Christmas Events – Festival of Trees

The holiday season officially begins as this moment as we pen this week’s post on the Dusty Smith Real Estate Team blog. Red Deer Lights the Night  tonight (at press), but that’s just the beginning. Whether you are a long time resident, new to town, or are preparing for a move to Red Deer you will find no better time of the year to find out why our Central Albertan city is one of the greatest in all of Canada. Take a look at this early Christmas event schedule to learn more.

Must Attend Community Events to Launch the 2015 Holiday Season in Red Deer

Red Deer Lights the Night @ City Hall Park / Downtown Red Deer – Nov 21 (4-7 PM)

No matter the year, Lights the Night marks the arrival of the holidays in Red Deer Alberta. Traditionally landing on the third Saturday of November Lights the Night gathers residents and visitors alike to City Hall Park. Celebrations include live music (the Overdue Blues Band in 2015), a Winter Market, a Kid’s Zone, baked goodies and free hot chocolate and most certainly a visit from Ol’ St. Nick. The highlight of the affair is the annual lighting of City Hall Park’s version of the Rockefeller Christmas tree and is capped off with a fireworks show – a breathtaking scene against the snow-crisp backdrop of Red Deer! This event sets the festive tone for the rest of the season and serves as a true representation of community in our great city.

Red Deer Festival of Trees @ Prairie Pavilion – Nov 25-29 (Various Times)

This multi-day affair is a blast for the entire community and has something for all-ages, tastes, and interests. The event kicks off with the Preview Dinner at Prairie Pavilion at Westerner Park on the 25th at 6 PM. The Preview Dinner is a formal gala exclusive to event sponsors and consists of fine dining and both live and silent auctions. On the following night (November 26 at 6 PM) is the Taste of Red Deer, an affordable dining extravaganza appropriate to family units and couples alike and is concluded with a raffle draw and silent auction. November 27th is highlighted by the event’s Festival of Wines, entering its 10th year in featuring an expansive selection of fine wines, craft beer, appetizers, raffles, and another silent auction. One of the downright most heartwarming (and cute!) events of the Festival is Mistletoe Magic – a formal fathers and daughters date night that features an evening of entertainment, dining, dancing, and one of the largest individual raffles of the event. There is simple so much to cover for the Red Deer Festival of Trees which also includes the Candy Cane Lane, the Gift & Sweet Shop and Breakfast with Santa on the final day. Learn more about the 2015 Red Deer Festival of Trees here.

Christmas Cookie Walk @ Victory Church of Red Deer – Nov 28 (9-2 PM)

This humble affair is essential to getting a head start on your Christmas baking curating for the holiday season. Absolutely delectable cakes, squares, loaves and of course cookies are on deck. What’s even better, is that while you fill your bellies and freezers (yes, do save some) you do some good for the community at the same time, with all proceeds going to local families in need! Once again the sense of community in Red Deer shines with this quaint event.

Jingle Jazz I & II @ Studio A, Arts Centre – Nov 30 to Dec 1 (7:30 PM)

Get down to the smooth sounds of Jazz as the RDC Big Band and Faculty Jazz Ensemble pours sweet honey into your ears with some hot and heartwarming holiday classics. This event is perfect for those looking for a taste of arts and culture in Red Deer at the onset of the holiday season.

The above represents the beginning of the holidays in our Central Alberta hub. Rest assured that one or more of our Red Deer real estate team will be in attendance so if you’re new to town be sure to say hi (click here for team bios). Stay tuned for more recommended events for the holidays as we prepare to enter December. And as always, should you have any local real estate inquiries whatsoever do not hesitate to contact us, anytime.

Central Alberta Events for November 2015

While our northern neighbor of Edmonton is known as Canada’s Festival City and their southern counterpart in Calgary is a big draw for events too, there is nothing quite as charming as the affairs found in small town Central Alberta. This is especially true of the towns of Blackfalds, Penhold, and Sylvan Lake. As a community real estate team with an ever present ear to the ground we will be updating our blog with recommended monthly events. Today, we deliver our all-ages recommendations for the month of November.

Best Blackfalds, Penhold, and Sylvan Lake Events for November 2015

Blackfalds Events

The hippest (and only non-profit) coffee shop in town, After the Grind, is hosting renowned singer-songwriter Jacob Moon on November 5. This timeless and eclectic performer is compared to the likes of Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Peter Gabriel so expect to be wooed by his command of pop-folk vocals and instrumentals. The other big highlight of the month in town is found on November 25 when Light Up Blackfalds arrives to ring in the season ahead. Gather around with residents and visitors alike at Tayles Water Spray Park gazebo as the City of Blackfalds lights up the trees and streets with holiday flare. Goodies and hot chocolate will be served so bundle up and prepare to get festive!

Penhold Events

Small town markets grow more and more popular year by year in Central Alberta. One of the most quaint yet rewarding is found here in Penhold. Residents from Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, and the surrounding area make the trek to explore the crafts, goods, and wares on deck at the Penhold Seasonal Market. The market is held every Saturday in November at the Penhold Regional Multiplex with a special addition on November 27 as the Museum Society hosts the annual Community Christmas Market.     

Sylvan Lake Events

There are many early holiday season events and markets in area this month but the entire Central Alberta community awaits the arrival of the Spirit of Sylvan – Yuletide Festival & Market. This year the annual event lands on the weekend of November 27-28 and in its 5th year organizers expect it to be bigger than ever. The festival highlight is the Christmas market, where early seasonal shoppers can nab a one of a kind treasure (or more) from artisans in addition to the slew of delectable baked goodies on site. There is also an Entertainment Extravaganza which features choir performances and rock n roll caroling. This year adds an enhanced Servus Credit Union Kidz Zone, complete with bouncy castles and face painting, while the event concludes with raffles and a silent auction. Don’t forget to wear your best (ugliest?) Christmas sweater. Learn more about the Spirit of Sylvan festival here.

All Together Now!

All Central Alberta towns will be coming out in full-force to support the region’s junior representation in the Western Hockey League. It all begins on November 3rd when the Red Deer Rebels take on the Seattle Thunderbirds at ENMAX Centrium in Red Deer (7 PM). Return again on November 20 as we look to send the Saskatoon Blades packing back across the provincial border along with the Regina Pats on November 24 and 28. Teams from far and wide fear playing against their Red Deer counterparts because when the Rebels take the ice, they do so with the fans from every Central Alberta town cheering ferociously at their back.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the events above. Until then, should you have any questions about real estate in Blackfalds, Penhold, or Sylvan Lake, please do not hesitate to contact us here, anytime of the year.