The seventh annual Christmas by the Lake takes place December 6 to December 8 in Silverton and organizers say it is guaranteed to get you in a festive mood.
Few events offer such a wonderful fun-packed weekend with something to entertain all family members, from the very young to those merely young at heart.
The sparkling-lit Christmas Village, a collection of festively adorned wooden booths, stands before the historic Silverton Gallery creating a unique, magical world of European yuletide cheer.
Enjoy roasting bannock and chestnuts over the open fires and the evocative aromas of traditional Christmas cuisine as you wander through the village. Certainly, there will be plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink to savour and delight, ranging from numerous delicacies such as Gluehwein, bratwurst, crêpes, soup, European Stollen and more.
Within the gallery itself there will be over 30 local artisans offering an appealing range of quality Christmas gifts for friends and family. Happily, one of the most popular attractions for the smaller folk will be returning this year. Peter Vogelaar will be sculpting his magnificent ice slide while the professional glass blower, Dan Farden from Ourglass Studio, Nelson will be returning to the event.
The public can watch other traditional craft artists at work. New this year is Patrick McIvor from Dancing Scot Forge. He is a traditional blacksmith and will demonstrate his skills on Saturday and Sunday.
Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule to visit Christmas by the Lake and will arrive on Saturday at noon to have his picture taken with the many children who will be there. The Grinch and Gingerbread Man will also be visiting. Other children’s attractions include a contest to win a Kobo Arc Tablet and eReader computer (contestants must be 16 years and under).
By popular demand, the Christmas card workshop will also be returning.
A glittering array of splendid entertainment is scheduled over the weekend, beginning with the Fireside Choir on Friday evening singing traditional Christmas carols. The Saturday afternoon starts with the Slocan Valley Community Band at 2 p.m., followed by Felicity Gerwing and the Mental Health Club of Slocan at 3 p.m. and local musicians Leah Main and Michael Dorsey at 4 p.m. At sunset it is time for Sadie and Amy for their fire spinning and glow hoop show.
Sunday starts with the celebrated Lucerne School Kids Choir at 11:30 a.m., followed by Hank Hastings and his accordion at noon.
Another highlight on Sunday is Melissa McCready and Shannon Moldenhauer (Mots and Oats) who will be performing at 1 p.m.
Christmas by the Lake festivities begin Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Christmas Village and the tolling of the bell at 5 p.m.
Bring the family to this full weekend event that offers a truly unique opportunity to experience the magic and charm of an enchanted European Christmas celebration, reminiscent of a German Christmas market or Dickensian faire.
Admission and entertainment is free.
Free shuttle service from Nelson to Silverton is available on Saturday, December 7. For shuttle times and further event information visit www.christmasbythelake.ca.