The annual kick-off to the Christmas season is returning to downtown Drumheller this weekend and it’s shaping up to be brighter and better than ever.

The Festival of Lights will take place this weekend and organizers are promising even more activities and even more lights on the giant Christmas tree installed at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Centre Street.

“We have a few new things that we’re pretty excited about and it’s making us even more excited than last year,” says Marley Henneigh, adding there will be a surprise right after the lighting of the town tree around 6 p.m. that is going to be “very visual.”

There will be new activities for kids, with letters to Santa writing station at Traders Furniture and a craft station at Citizen Yoga, both on Centre Street. Fireworks will also start earlier than last year, at around 8:10 p.m. The Dragons will be hosting road hockey games downtown, too.

Old activities will return like fire pits manned by local businesses and sponsors, cookie decorating, a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer, wagon rides, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and more information and details about the schedule are available on the Facebook event page or the FCSS’ town website.

The event relies on the participation of local businesses, organizers, and sponsors.

“We’re very thankful for all our sponsors, there’s a committee organizing it but we couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” Henneigh said.

Drumheller will again look cheery this holiday season as the 5th annual Light up the Night contest kicks off.

Homeowners and commercial businesses can register to compete in the Christmas decorating contest for a number of prizes again, including two tickets to Paul Brandt, $300 towards your January electricity bill, and $250 of free advertising for your business on www.drumhellermail.com.

“We’re always really excited to have various communities and businesses participate,” says organizer April Harrison. “It's a great opportunity for the comm to see the pretty over the festive season. We’re pleased and thank all our sponsors for participating.”

Registration closes at noon on December 7. Entry forms are available either at town hall or online on the Click Here. Voting for the people's choice awards will be hosted on the Drumheller Mail's website.

This years sponsors include the Napier Theatre, Canalta, Sublime Food and Wine, Family and Community Support Services, The Drumheller Mail, Century 21, Real Country 910, Westview Co-op, and the Town of Drumheller.