Everything from arts and crafts to free skating make up Nanton Lights the Way this weekend, as the town kicks off the Christmas shopping season.

Chamber president Pam Woodall says stores throughout the whole town will feature special deals and seasonal treats.

"The other things that are happening include the Distinctly Nanton Christmas Market which is Saturday 10 to 5 and that is an amazing array of artists, artisans and crafters from all over southern Alberta," she says. "There are things you don't find very many places, it's not your regular craft fair."

She says they'll again have the very popular charm bracelets for sale along with a map that shows the 15 different businesses giving out free charms, which is aimed at getting shoppers to visit stores they haven't before.

There's also a kids Christmas craft corner right next to the candy store that's open from 2 to 8 Saturday where kids can have a treat, do crafts and watch a movie while their parents do a little more shopping.

There's even free skating and shinny at the Tom Hornecker Rec-Plex on Saturday from 4 to 7 and Sunday from 4 to 7:45.

It all goes Friday through Sunday in Nanton.