Friday, Dec 5th, 4pm to 8pm

 Christmas by the Lake events begin on Friday afternoon with the lighting and decorating of booth  fir trees in the Christmas village at 4pm. The famous Ice sculptures Peter Vogelaar and David Ducharme (World Olympic champions and winners of the 2006 Quebec International Sand Sculpture Contest) will start creating ice sculptures and building the highly popular illuminated ice slide for the children. The New Denver’s Mayday Queen and princesses will launch Christmas by the Lake by welcoming guests, followed by the Valhalla Community Choir singing Christmas carols.

During the evening bannock and chestnuts will be roasting over an open fire. Children can warm themselves with hot chocolate whilst adults sip traditional glühwein (mulled wine). Enjoy too the taste of brats with sauerkraut, European cake and other delicious foods.

You can buy your Christmas tree here from Sam Tichenor but children, watch out for Santa, the Grinch and "run, run as fast as you can to catch The Gingerbread Man".

Saturday Dec 6th, 10am to 6pm and Sunday Dec 7th, 11am to 3pm

On Saturday and Sunday the Christmas village comes alive. Stoll around our magical Christmas village of old world styled wooden huts (entrance free) and experience the magic of craft making. Take the opportunity to buy beautiful, quality handcrafts and taste appetizing traditional European food and drinks.

Crafts - On Saturday the blacksmith, Jamie Barber, brings steel to glow. You can watch Christie McPhie as she shows the fascinating art of glassblowing and Colette Beaulieu as she creates her lovely baskets and brooms. Diane Carter will also be demonstrating how she weaves her beautiful textiles. But you can also listen cello music from the We Three Celli (Sue Mistretta and friends) as well as from Leah Main, Micheal Dorsey & Guests. On Sunday the local craftsman Walter Wells demonstrating wood carving and DJ and friends will be playing music and a children choir from Lucerne School of New Denver singing Christmas songs.

Artists - Storytelling by Hank Hasting and various enlivening music.
Peter Vogelaar and David Ducharme continue their ice sculptures.

Vendors - Paperlights, Ulla & Cynthia, can be found in the Christmas village. Starting Saturday, the Silverton Gallery will be open with local Kootenay artisans selling a variety of handmade quality gifts (contact Morgen Bardati, 250 358 7733 for details).

Food and Drinks – Enjoy a selection of delicious European food and drinks.

Kids Workshop – Christmas decoration/card making workshop for children.

Special feature for Sunday - Horse drawn sleigh rides, courtesy of Herb Thompson (Sunday 12pm to 3pm)