Northern Lights Festival is the third Christmas kick-off in Prince George, following the Festival of Trees and the Civic Centre Light up.
This event Nov. 27 brings Christmas from the top of Connaught Hill to the downtown heart of the city.
The launch celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 in Wilson Square at the courthouse on George Street offers tractor sleigh rides, games like reindeer relay races and Santa bag toss; Christmas carollers, a visit by Santa himself, and hot chocolate and cookies at the nearby Fire Pit, 1120 Third Ave. George Street will be closed to wheeled traffic for the event.
At precisely 5 p.m. Connaught Hill and downtown streets and stores will light up. Even the vacant stores will feature Christmas trees donated by the community and decorated by staff and volunteers from Tourism Prince George.
The main attraction atop Connaught Hill with light and animated displays are offered as a drive-through event until Jan. 2. Tickets, at $10 per vehicle at the gate, are available at Tourism Prince George and various downtown store locations.
**Santa's Mailbox and Santa himself will be at the Ramada Hotel for the four Saturdays prior to Christmas. Post letters after Nov. 27 to: Santa Claus, North Pole. HOH OHO
** A senior's tea Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. will be hosted by Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, at the Royal Canadian Legion. A light snack, entertainment, and bus rides up the hill to see the lights will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Those visiting the Northern Lights display on Connaught Hill will be greeted by the true spirit of Christmas by way of a large nativity scene, shimmering swan fountain and dancing poinsettias.
But there's also much animated action as green dinosaurs race from a red volcano, and gingerbread men and snowmen do their somersault and tumbling acts.
Along the way you'll find Santa's workshop, with elves hammering away, and his flying school with a parachuting reindeer along with displays of lollipops, candy canes, poinsettias, reindeer and trees. Below will be a view of the city while above the first stars in the night sky will appear.
For more in formation call Tourism Prince George at 250-562-3700.
