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!