There's something special about Christmas at Fort Steele and this year should be no exception with all the festive events planned for the holiday season

A big early November snow and cold crisp weather has made Fort Steele Heritage Village about as close as you can get to a true Victorian Christmas, says Brandy Dunnebacke of the Friends of Fort Steele Society.

"Once you get the snow, it feels so peaceful and nostalgic out here. There's something about a big fireplace and a warm wood stove that makes you feel really good when you enjoy a traditional Christmas."

Dunnebacke says Fort Steele has a big variety of Christmas events and programs lined up this year starting Dec. 5 with the Father Christmas Show when you can visit Lambi House with your children and get pictures taken with Santa and pets are welcome too. If the weather stays cold, the big, outdoor skating rink should be open outside Lambi House and there will be sleigh rides too.

On Dec. 10, the Polar Express will be shown in the Wild Horse Theatre and kids are invited to come in their P.J's to enjoy this magical experience. The Polar Express will also be shown Dec. 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. with tickets available at the door as well as Safeway, Save-On-Foods Gas Bar and in Kimberley at Black Bear Books and Video.

A new event this Christmas season at the Heritage Village is White Christmas at Fort Steele which begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 and features a holiday feast at the International Hotel with horse-drawn sleigh rides after dinner and a screening of the Christmas classic, White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, sure to appeal to cinephiles of a certain age.

Another unique event is A Tuba Christmas Dec. 19 at 12 noon. The event features classic Christmas carols performed by a band of 10 tuba players led by Kevin Dunk. If the weather isn't too cold, the performance will take place outside in the gazebo, but if it's really cold it will be moved to a location inside, says Dunnebacke.

The last major event takes place New Year's Day when everyone is invited to come out to Fort Steele and ring in the New Year the old fashioned way with ice skating, sleigh rides, bonfires, games and more.

Fort Steele is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the holiday season and there's a special selection of Christmas gifts in the gift shop and a lunch counter when the hunger pangs strike.

The free skating rink will be open through the holidays and people are welcome to walk around and explore the site and you can also bring your pets.