(Cochrane, Alberta) – Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing will glow a little brighter this weekend as Cochrane’s annual Light Up celebration returns this Saturday, November 29, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. The long-standing community event marks the start of the holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights, family activities and unmistakable community spirit.
Thanks to the support of event sponsors and volunteers, visitors can stroll through illuminated streets, warm up by crackling fire pits and enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate from local partners, including Tim Hortons. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable mugs to help reduce waste and support Light Up’s sustainability efforts.
This year’s Light Up features a mix of favourite traditions and fresh experiences:
- Vibrant light displays throughout Historic Downtown and The Station, made possible by sponsors including Winducks, First Light Automation, Our Electrician and a dedicated team of volunteers.
- Seasonal entertainment from local performers, including Stoney River Smalleyes dancers, Cochrane Sings, Turner Bates and more.
- Photos with Santa, with donations supporting the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.
- Holiday activities such as hayrides, ornament decorating, glow-stick giveaways and more.
- Meet Council at The Station and pick up complimentary hot chocolate, glow sticks and Cochrane swag.
- Outdoor holiday movie screening, featuring “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (2018).
- Horse-drawn wagon rides, generously provided by Cochrane Home Treasures.
This year, instead of fireworks, the event will conclude with a Land Acknowledgement and remarks from Mayor Nagel and other speakers, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the tree using the large candy cane switch outside The Station. Speeches will wrap up and the tree will be lit around 7 p.m.
With limited parking downtown, attendees are encouraged to walk, carpool or use free COLT Transit on November 29. All services, including fixed-route and on-request are free, using code “LIGHTUP2025” in the COLT app. To improve event access, COLT will run extended evening service until 8:30 p.m. and offer more frequent buses during peak times.
Thank you to all event sponsors and volunteers who have made this event possible.
Gold sponsors
- Sunset Ridge Dental
- Inter Pipeline
Bronze sponsors
- Rohit Homes
- SLS Centre
- Bow Valley Boot Stomp
Stage sponsor
- Cochrane Home Treasures
- Cochrane Now
Event maps, transit schedules and additional event details are available at cochrane.ca/lightup and cochranelightup.com.
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