It's Sylvan Lake's turn to embrace this chilly season as they Light Up the Lake, starting Friday with the Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival. 

The NexSource Centre is going to be the hub of much of the activity for the weekend, starting at 4 p.m. Friday. From there, the weekend will move forward with the classic Santa Claus Parade, the lighting of the Winter Village and fireworks on Saturday. 

Jared Waldo with the Town of Sylvan Lake said it's a great way to kick off the season and that he hopes to see many Central Albertans in attendance. 

"I think the biggest piece is how much we have going on at the NexSource Centre. It's become a kind of central hub for the entire town," he said. "As far as everything else goes... the Santa Claus Parade brings so many people out and into our downtown core and that's an element of the town that we really want people to come enjoy."

Waldo said it's an opportunity for residents and guests alike to connect with unique local businesses and to enjoy their beautiful town as they celebrate the coming of the holiday season. 

"When we have this parade and the fireworks at the pier and our waterfront winter village, it just brings so many people out and that helps to build that sense of community and brings everybody together. These kinds of events help us do that."

If you can't sustain your warmth by holiday spirit alone, there will be fire pits, hot chocolate and lots of activities to move around and check out. 

For a full schedule of events, click here.