The Magic of the Holiday Season
Experience the magic of the season in the Heart of Alberta, where twinkling lights, festive markets, and cozy small-town charm make Stettler the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. From joyful community events to nostalgic traditions, the season here shines with hometown warmth.
Wander through the Stettler Christmas Market, featuring over 100 vendors offering handmade treasures, local treats, and holiday cheer. Enjoy the glow of the Stettler Festival of Lights, where creativity and community spirit light up the season through special fundraising events.
Stettler knows how to put the magic into Christmas! From Alberta Prairie‘s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ to the lighting of the Main Street Christmas tree and every little thing in between we’re sure you’ll believe.
Whether you’re gathering with family, reconnecting with friends, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Christmas in Stettler offers countless ways to make the season bright.
Visit the Heart of the Holidays this season and experience all the magic!
Make the most of the season
THE POLAR
EXPRESS™
The magical story of The Polar Express comes to life as the train departs Stettler, Alberta, for a one hour long round-trip journey to the North Pole.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, passengers are served hot chocolate and a cookie treat by Polar Express Chefs, will be presented with a souvenir golden The Polar Express ticket, and everyone receives a ceramic souvenir Polar Express mug. Santa will board the train at the North Pole, and during the return trip will walk through each car giving out the “first gift of Christmas” – a silver sleigh bell – to each and every guest who wants one. Please note: There are no bathrooms on board the train. The train ride is one hour long, so please plan accordingly.
Watch for 2025 Polar Express schedule on www.absteamtrain.com, book your spots early as this popular Christmas adventure can sell out fast!
Moonlight
Madness
If there was one weekend to experience Christmas in Stettler, the last weekend in November would be it. Join the locals in the kick-off to Christmas with Moonlight Madness on the last Friday in November. A festive tradition that will surely get you in the holiday spirit! Stores around town hold amazing sales and promotions with many staying open late so you have time to take in all the deals!
Add some festive fun into your shopping experience and join the community for Stettler’s beloved holiday tradition—the annual Main Street tree lighting during Moonlight Madness! Bring family and friends to kick off the festive season with twinkling lights, holiday music, and the warmth of community. The tree lighting starts at 6 PM, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience the magic of Main Street coming to life.
Moonlight Madness is a great night to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas while finding unbelievable savings on gifts for everyone on your list. The magic of the season will be alive and well! Make Stettler your Christmas destination for shopping, holiday memories, new traditions and more!
The Night Before the Night Before
December 23, 2025
The annual Stettler tradition continues. We invite you to come home for the holidays and catch up with family and old friends! With entertainment, events, store sales and late night shopping it’s the perfect way to start off Christmas holidays!
Watch for more details on this special event by visiting www.shopstettler.ca
Light the Night at the Stettler Museum
CELEBRATE THE SEASON, with the Stettler Museum.
Local Businesses, Organizations and Community participate to help make the displays of lights for all to enjoy! The display of lights are on throughout December on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas with a few extra dates, for the enjoyment of all those that come through the Museum gate. A cash donation is appreciated at the gate upon entry. View these 1/2 km of lights by strolling with family or friends or by yourself, riding a horse drawn wagon or inside the warmth of your vehicle.
Visit inside the Museums’ Main Building, try out the ‘Elevator to the North Pole’, where imagination will create the magic of Christmas. Check the schedule below to see when Santa may visit – not to say you may see an Elf or two, or the Grinch or Cindy Lou Who. And after seeing the ‘Elevator to the North Pole’, make sure you vote for your favorite ‘Gingerbread House creation’!
Light the Night – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 – 5:30p.m. to 9p.m.
Santa Days – Dec. 6 at 6:00p.m., Dec.13 at 6p.m., Dec. 20 at 6p.m. and Dec. 23 at 6p.m.
Elevator to the North Pole nightly!
For more information call 403-742-4534
Christmas Events
Festival of Lights Burgers & Beer
Christmas Market at Jo-Jo’s Country Kitchen
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
Byemoor’s Santa Day and Craft Sale
Red Willow Christmas Market
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with Alberta Prairie Railway
Celebrate the Holidays in Stettler
There’s something special about the holiday season in Stettler. The lights glow a little brighter, the air feels a little crisper, and our small-town warmth shines at every turn. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a cozy weekend with friends, or a solo winter escape, Stettler offers the perfect blend of festive cheer and relaxed country charm.
The very best things to do in Stettler for the holidays
An article from jodyrobbins.com
Whenever I need to get into the holiday spirit fast, I make for a small town. Small towns in Alberta tend to go all out with their holiday events and activities, and Stettler is no exception. In fact, I found so many festive things to do in Stettler I just had to share…
Finding Christmas Magic on the Polar Express Stettler Train
An article and image from wanderwoman.ca
Do you believe in Christmas magic? The Polar Express, one of the world’s most beloved children’s Christmas books, is all about magic. It’s about a golden ticket and a train that takes children to the North Pole to see Santa Claus and receive the first gift of Christmas….