AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

No. When we opened 27 years ago, we would allow guests to drop off food at the park, as there were very few places available in Airdrie. However, as we have grown, and our city has grown, we no longer have the resources to accept food donations. The food is exposed to varying temperatures which makes most of it unsuitable for donations, and for this reason, the food bank has asked us to redirect guests to drop their food donations directly to the Food Bank, or the many indoor facilities within Airdrie.

We also recognized, that when guests brought food as their entry, our own cash donations went down significantly. There is a common misconception that our event is put on, or sponsored by the City of Airdrie. And while we receive some in kind offerings, we are an independent, volunteer run, non-profit society, with an operating budget of more than $200,000. Any profits we do receive, we redirect into our local community through many organizations, including the Airdrie Food Bank.

Quite simply though, we can't turn on lights with food. We appreciate your support, so that all may enjoy, regardless of income. We like to think, what we offer, helps to feed family's hearts and souls.

The Airdrie Festival of Lights runs every night, December 1st to 31st, from 6pm to 9 pm each evening. This includes, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve. Please note: Christmas Day, and nights where the temperature is below -25 degrees Celsius, including wind-chill, the Festival operates "lights only", meaning no additional services or events offered. We appreciate your understanding that weather conditions are not in our control.

Along with general maintenance and upkeep of the displays and other attractions, portions of our proceeds are redirected back into our Community, benefiting other local non-profit’s and youth groups.

You may have noticed volunteers working in the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society Off Leash Animal Park, working at setting up the space for parking for this year's event. While we recognize that this is a bit of an inconvenience for pet owners in December, DID YOU KNOW;
This space has always been used by AFOLS for parking for their event. In 1997, a developer was looking to turn this space into town homes and condominiums. Recognizing the need to keep our green space, the AFOLS and the City worked out a deal where AFOLS was granted permanent access to the space by paying 75% of the purchase price for the land, in the form of debenture payments for 15 years. A cost of over $291,000 to AFOLS (a non-profit organization). We fulfilled that obligation in 2015.
Also recognizing there may be better ways to use this space year round, several years ago, AFOLS agreed to allow a portion of this space to be fenced off for off leash use 11 months of the year. We also added a second area to be fenced off, that still provides an off leash space within Nose Creek Regional Park, when our event is running. During the year, other events in Nose Creek Regional Park are also granted access to this space for parking, as needed.
More than 85,000 guests visit the Airdrie Festival of Lights in December each year, which brings to light what an incredibly GLOWing City we live in, that in turn, provides enormous economic benefits to many in Airdrie.
We still DO NOT charge admission or parking fees, because of our commitment to our mandate, and arrangements such as payments for land use. We are also one of the few events that allow your furry friends to attend the lights as part of your family tradition! They can even ride the trains 🚂🚂🚂!
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping Keep The GLOW! #ShareTheGlow #cityofairdrie #getyourglowon #furryfriends #share #supportlocal

YES! Santa’s Gift Shop, is OPEN 6pm - 9pm (excluding Christmas Day) for all your holiday purchases!

Plus, we have a separate area within the store that is for Kids Only! We have sourced product from our local home made, hand made vendors. All items in this section are priced $10 and under, to keep it affordable for the kids. Our elves will help the kids shop and wrap their special presents to be placed under Christmas trees everywhere.

2024 - Santa will be here, from 7pm - 8pm on December 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 17, 20, PLUS a special visit on December 21 when you can also meet his reindeer!

YES! - There are three miniature trains in the park for guests to ride! The trains will follow two separate paths through the park. Tickets remain $2 per person with Kids under 2 riding free with an adult purchase. Even your furry friends are invited to ride!
Cash, Debit, Visa, Mastercard accepted.

Tickets must be purchased at our Train Station, prior to boarding.

YES! - We will once again have hot chocolate, apple cider, and coffee available for purchase. Price is still only $2 per cup!
Bottled water, canned pop, cotton candy, and a selection of chips is also available.
Cash, Debit, Visa, Mastercard accepted.

The majority of Nose Creek Regional Park has paved pathways, that we strive to keep clear of snow and ice. Please note, icy conditions can exist. We have a convenient drop off / pick up spot right at the entrance to the lights. Visitors will still need to park their vehicles in the upper parking lot. When permissible, we also have golf cart assistance to guests with mobility challenges. Please speak to a Donation Booth Attendant for details.

YES! - We have two fire pits located close to our concession! Pack your own roasting sticks and marshmallows to complete your evening!

We also offer private bookings at our large fire pit! The Airdrie Festival of Lights is the perfect place for you to entertain your group, staff, or family get together. Pack in your own food, marshmallows, etc. and enjoy a night at the festival. Walk the lights, take a ride on the train, enjoy a warm beverage, visit Santa’s Gift Shop, and more!
Price $15 per person, paid in advance. Minimum 15 people. Includes one train ticket and beverage for everyone in your group. Email info@airdrielights.com for more details.

YES - Pets on leashes are always welcome at the Airdrie Festival of Lights.  Licensed Service Animals specifically trained to aid a person are welcome throughout the park, however, please be advised that Pets are not allowed in the Festival Tent, or near Santa's Reindeer, when they visit us December 21.  Please be a responsible pet owner, and kindly pick up after your pets.

We have parking available for vehicles, handi-cap (limited), and buses.  Follow the signs when you enter Nose Creek Regional Park for your vehicle type.  We also have a convenient Drop-Off point just before the entrance to the lights.  There is no charge for parking. When permissible, we have golf cart assistance to guests with mobility concerns. Please speak to a Donation Booth Attendant for details.

While there are no admission fees to enter the park, cash donations are gratefully accepted (suggested contribution is $10 - $20 per family, and $1 - $5 per person on a bus).  We truly appreciate those who are able, so all can enjoy regardless of income. Festival ambassadors are located at our brightly coloured Guard Houses, as well as our various Mascots with Jingle Jugs to cheerfully accept your donations!

NEW FOR 2023! We have partnered with TipTapPay to provide a touch less option for your donation. One tap is all it takes!

Please note, we are unable to accept food donations as admittance to the park.

We LOVE our volunteers, and require ten to fifteen individuals every night in December to ensure we can offer this low-cost, family friendly event!  Visit our Volunteer Page for our Application Form, and our Volunteer Coordinator will get in touch you.