Enderby is getting lit.
As the festive season approaches, the city’s annual Christmas Light Up takes place the first weekend of December.
The fun kicks off with a Christmas Market Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Splatsin Community Centre (markets take place every Friday).
Santa’s Workshop for Children runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Masonic Hall (507 Mill Ave.), giving kids aged four to 12 an affordable shopping experience. Donations can be dropped off Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday between 9:30 and 2, with Nov. 25 being the final day.
“While we are thankful for items donated, every year we run short of gifts for teen boys and men,” said Santa’s elves of items most needed.
A bake sale full of treats takes place at the Enderby Museum from 3 to 7 p.m., where there will also be a Toonie Tree and Silent Auction.
Children’s crafts are at the library from 4 to 6 p.m.
Horse drawn wagon rides run from Guardian Pharmacy from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The lights will be turned on in the tree in front of city hall at 5:30 p.m. before the Christmas parade makes its way downtown at 6 p.m.
Mainstreet celebrations continue until 8 p.m. with outdoor Christmas movies, beer gardens, roasted chestnuts, fire pits, soup, hot chocolate and more.
Festive fun continues Saturday, Dec. 2 with a Santa Party at the Legion from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., horse drawn wagon rides from 10 to 1, library bake sale at 10 until sold out and Santa’s Workshop for Children from 10-4.
The Christmas program Heart of Christmas plays out at the Enderby Chapel at 6:30 p.m. and again Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The library is hosting its annual Gingerbread Competition with drop off of creative designs accepted between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1. Voting takes place Dec. 1 at noon until Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.
Those shopping in Enderby are reminded to keep their receipts Dec. 1-2 and drop them off at the library from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday for a chance to win prize baskets drawn hourly.
“Any purchase at a local business counts, ” said Vallerie Byrne with the Enderby Christmas Committee.
Meanwhile all local businesses are invited to adorn their window displays with enchanting Christmas-themed decorations for the inaugural Christmas decorating contest. The public can vote for their favourite displays by donating a non-perishable for the food bank at their chosen business. The business with the most food items by the end of the contest on Dec. 16 will win a prize.
To add to the charm, snowflakes crafted by elementary students will be hanging in the windows.
A Social Media Bingo takes place Dec. 1-23, with the first draw at 8 a.m. Friday. Bingo packages that include cards for every round in December go on sale Nov. 27 at noon at Enderby Jewellers and Sopolallie Soapworks.
Santa’s Workshop opens for seniors Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for teens and adults Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
”Moreover, we have ambitious plans to elevate the Christmas experience in Enderby in the coming years,” said Byrne.
The committee is actively raising funds for a removable skating rink to be installed on Main Street during the weekend of the light-up event. The goal is to raise upwards of $15,000 within the next five years through grants, community support and other funding opportunities.
“This skating rink can potentially serve various other events during the Christmas season as well.”
There will be a Santa Skate at the Enderby Arena Dec. 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
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