Christmas crafts and a delicious display are on view in Olde Towne Okotoks.
The Spirit of Christmas, Tree of Warmth and Gingerbread Station have made their annual return to the Okotoks Art Gallery, with the displays opening to the public on Nov. 22, just in time for Light Up Okotoks.
"The Spirit of Christmas is an excellent place to shop for gifts," said gallery specialist Katrina Lougheed on the local holiday gift shopping destination.
Over 50 artists are involved this year, with everything from paintings and jewellery to woodwork and clay sculptures on sale. All items are priced under $250.
"Everything's unique, it's all handcrafted," continued Lougheed. "You're not going to find something like it on Amazon or at Walmart, so if you're looking for something for someone hard to buy for, this is the place to come."
In the middle of the Spirit of Christmas display is the Tree of Warmth, where art gallery visitors are invited to leave new and unopened gifts to benefit Magic of Christmas Foothills, a volunteer-run organization sharing the holiday spirit with families in Okotoks, Diamond Valley and High River.
"We are looking for anything for people of all ages, children, teenagers, adults, older adults, anything brand new and unwrapped," said Lougheed.
The Spirit of Christmas runs until Saturday, Dec. 21.
The Christmas spirit carries over into the small gallery, where a sweet showcase of over 20 gingerbread houses is on display.
"We have more entries this year than we've ever had before, which is amazing," said Lougheed of the Gingerbread Station, now in its seventh year.
The Gingerbread Station features elaborate gingerbread houses created by adults and youth, and the public is invited to vote for their favourite in each of the two age categories.
Voting runs until Dec. 7, and three winners in each category will be announced on Dec. 10.
The Gingerbread Station will be on display until Dec. 13.
The Okotoks Art Gallery, located at 53 North Railway St. in Olde Towne, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during fall and winter.
