We are shining a light on this extraordinary couple in Deer Run. For many years now, Christian and Silvana have embodied the Christmas spirit by making their home a Christmas attraction and accepting donations for Calgary food banks. Our community appreciates everything you do – thank you!

Who are you?

We are Christian Fruhen and Silvana Stoesser, the creators of Lighten UP Calgary. We have lived in Deer Run for a little over 10 years now.

How did you start?

About 8 years ago we started with some outdoor Christmas decorations, a few Christmas lights and one Santa. Since then our Christmas display has been growing bigger every year. In 2017, we decided to create a website to showcase other Christmas light displays in Calgary and to fundraise for worthy causes. You can find it online at https://lightenupcalgary.ca

What motivates you?

When you look into the bright eyes of the kids, parents and even grandparents, you know you did something right. Christmas is a time of peace and joy. We want to bring the Spirit of Christmas to the community and everyone around. This year we hope our visitors will forget the rough times of the pandemic for a short while to breathe in and feel the atmosphere of Christmas. Let’s make the world a better place, even for a few moments!

Tell us about one of your best Lighten UP moments?

There are so many…but to just name one; it was two-years ago when Brewster’s Sightseeing pulled up with a huge tour bus. They were coming from Spruce Meadows and the Zoo Lights. It was pretty impressive to be seen as a Christmas landmark here in Calgary.

Who’s on your team?

It’s just the two of us, however, a lot of friends help us when needed. For the past 4 years we’ve also had a lot of volunteers from different organizations helping us as well.

What are the best items to donate to the food bank?

We’ll take any non-perishable food items in the box outside our house; the food banks are short on everything during these tough times. Monetary donations through our website are also appreciated. We use cash donations to buy even more food. Last year we donated almost 600 lbs. of food items to The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary and the Calgary Food Bank.

Where can we find your Christmas display?

You can find us at 15003 Deer Run Dr SE, Calgary. The lights are on between December 1 and January 6 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

To nominate an individual or organization, send an email to commdirector@deerruncalgary.com.

In the Spotlight: Christian and Silvana