Multiple community organizations have teamed up to create a new holiday experience this year.
A host of local groups – including the District of Kent and Agassiz-Harrison Community Services (AHCS) – have collaborated to host Winter Night Lights, a combination of the previous Winter Night Lights festivities with the AHCS’s Magic of Christmas. Festivities take place December 3 and 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature – among other things – a dazzling Christmas lights display, live entertainment sponsored by Fortis BC, a mini passenger train sponsored by Prospera Credit Union, presents from Santa’s workshop (pre-registration required), holiday treats and a visit with jolly Santa Claus himself and the mischievous Grinch.
District of Kent assistant manager of community services and projects Skylar Gormley said the upcoming Winter Night Lights marks this third annual event which began during the pandemic to offer the community a festive and outdoor experience.
AHCS Executive Director Grace Admiraal and Gormley, along with the support of community partner organizations, have collaborated to combine the events into one, a festive blend over the course of two Saturdays.
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“It’s something where the community can come downtown and participate in multiple activities during the day,” Gormley said. “We’re planning on having multiple activities and expect the event to grow in the future.”
Admiraal established The Magic of Christmas in 2014, which combined Christmas events in Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs and Seabird Island. She credited the relationship between the AHCS and the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and a number of different community partners for the event’s continued success.
Winter Night Lights took shape three years ago through a grant from the Agassiz 125th grant, which was in honour of the 125th anniversary of the District of Kent’s establishment.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Magic of Christmas was already undergoing changes; both the 2020 and 2021 events were drive-thru. As planning went underway for this year’s events, the District, AHCS and their community partners Tourism Harrison River Valley, Seabird Island and the Agassiz branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library decided to combine The Magic of Christmas with Winter Night Lights.
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This year, The Agassiz-Harrison Museum got involved, hosting Santa and his visitors.
“(The Magic of Christmas) has become a part of Winter Night Lights, and now it’s an enhanced experience,” Gormley said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come downtown not only to participate in the activities but also support local businesses during the Christmas season as well. I almost equate it to a little Christmas village.”
While the event itself is free, pre-registration is required to book a time slot and visit with Santa and to receive a gift from his workshop. To pre-register, call the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre at 604-796-8891. Registration is limited to community members of the District of Kent, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, Sts’ailes First Nation, & Seabird Island Band, with limited space.