St. Albert’s Borealis Lights Shine Brightly for Another Season

By Nerissa McNaughton on November 27, 2024.

Enjoy the experience and the addition of the 85-foot Christmas tree until Jan 5

The holiday season is upon us and the big man himself, Santa Claus, took time off from his North Pole duties to celebrate Borealis Lights in St. Albert. Along with local media personalities, he was there to help oversee the lighting of the new 85-foot Christmas tree. What were his thoughts?

“Come on down to Borealis Lights!” Claus said in an exclusive interview. “You’re going to love it! This is the most festive place in the world – except for the North Pole, of course!”

There you have it. Straight from the authority on Christmas himself!

The lighting of the tree took place during a private media night on November 21, and it did not disappoint. Following light up, a tour of the experience shows that the event is as breathtaking as ever. All the favourites are back, including the stunning light tunnels, the fun wrap-o-matic, the animated Aladdin, diligent toy soldiers, nostalgic art deco light sculptures, and the towering candle extravaganza.

The Details

Borealis Lights in St. Albert is open to the public from November 22 to January 5. This driving tour takes about 30 minutes as vehicles wind (about 3km/hr) through the glowing holiday wonderland. The access point is just off the Anthony Henday, at the Kinsmen RV Park off Riel Drive.

Online ticket prices are $33/vehicle (max 9 passengers with seatbelts) or $55/limo or passenger van (max 16 with seatbelts). Vehicles or limos/passenger vans of seniors receive discounted pricing ($27 and $50 respectively) and identification for seniors may be requested at the gate. Note that tickets at the gate have an additional $5 surcharge. For the best prices, book your ticket online. Contact the event organizers directly for special group pricing.

The Borealis Lights experience is very busy during the weekends. The shortest lines are during the week.

The Recap

Enjoy the event from Nov 22 – Jan 5

NOV. 22, 2024 TO JAN. 5, 2025

• Mon-Thur: 5pm to 9pm
• Fri-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

DEC. 20, 2024 TO JAN. 1, 2025 – extended hours 5pm to 10pm

• The tour is approximately 30 mins
• Prices are per vehicle
• Book online for best prices – there is a surcharge for tickets bought at the gate
• If your vehicle is all seniors, bring ID for proof of age
• Contact directly to arrange group pricing/tours

Giving Back

Borealis Lights supports the Kinsmen Club of St. Albert; a portion of every ticket purchased supports local Kinsmen charities. Last year Borealis Lights raised $27,000 for Kinsmen charities, including more than 1,200 pounds of food and toys for the 2023 Kinettes Christmas Hamper Drive, and 1,500 pounds of food for the St. Albert Food Bank.

When buying tickets online, you can contribute to the Kinettes Christmas Hamper Drive with a monetary donation. Additionally, the event gate gladly accepts donations of toys, non-perishable food items, and monetary contributions.

Enjoy Borealis Lights This Season

Whether you are seeing the lights solo, as a holiday date, as a fun family activity, or as part of a large group, you will be entranced by the experience. Make time in your holiday season to enjoy an event that not only fills you with Christmas cheer, but also gives back to those in our community.

When sharing pictures on your socials of your visit to the lights, please use the hashtag #borealislights2024 and tag Borealis Lights on their official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.