Edmonton Journal

CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER AT FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE

- ANDREA CHAN

Postmedia Content Works

From the moment you arrive through the Home for the Holidays gate at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the spirit of Christmas in the crisp mountain air is undeniable. The ringing of sleigh bells and the melodies of familiar Christmas carols welcome you to the lodge, while staff elves eagerly greet you with cups of mulled cider and comforting hot chocolate.

The 29th Christmas in November welcomed guests to three decadent sessions from Nov. 3-12, each offering an identical Christmas-themed experience.

The Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald and Postmedia are proud partners of Christmas in November. The Journal in particular has been a partner since the inaugural event 29 years ago at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

On the night of arrival, guests got into the spirit with the Silly Christmas Sweater Reception. The Beauvert Room was opened to reveal an array of culinary delights, from a sustainabl­e seafood station to a selection of Canadian cheese and charcuteri­e, and a holiday dessert table with crème brulee caramelize­d to order.

Each year an exciting lineup of presenters play host to informativ­e, festive sessions. This year’s headliners were Chuck Hughes, Vikram Vij and Anna and Michael Olson, who offered their wisdom and cooking tips. Décor and crafting experts like Cory Christophe­r and Chris Standring provided imaginativ­e festive designs, and holiday drink ideas were provided by master mixologist Micah Dew and fine wine purveyor Charton Hobbs. Teams from Duchess Bake Shop and Drift Food Truck of Edmonton, as well as Beaumont’s Chartier and Calgary’s Charcut rounded out a stellar lineup.

The team at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge went above and beyond to make the event unforgetta­ble. Each day began with a hearty breakfast, followed by a delectable three-course lunch and four-course dinner prepared by the talented culinary team lead by Ex- ecutive Chef Christophe­r Chafe. Some dishes were almost too beautiful to eat. After dinner, the party moved to the dance floor, with live music by the Counterfit­z, and the Man Cabin, where guests enjoyed foosball, Scotch, cigars and more.

Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, Christmas in November at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge truly reflects the joy of the season. 2018 marks the 30th anniversar­y of this culinary getaway, so be sure to pack extra stretchy pants and bring a big appetite for next year.

Tickets for next year’s 30th anniversar­y of Christmas in November go on saleo nDecember 1, 2017. Watch the Christmas in November website (www. christmasi­nnovember.com) for more informatio­n on the event and how to purchase tickets. To sign up for informatio­n about events at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, visit www.fairmont.com/promo/signup.

 ?? DONNA CHRISTENSE­N ?? Vikram Vij demonstrat­es a selection of his recipes during cooking sessions.
DONNA CHRISTENSE­N Vikram Vij demonstrat­es a selection of his recipes during cooking sessions.
 ?? DONNA CHRISTENSE­N ?? Chuck Hughes entertains guests during a cooking demonstrat­ion.
DONNA CHRISTENSE­N Chuck Hughes entertains guests during a cooking demonstrat­ion.
 ?? ANDREA CHAN ?? Chef Ned Bell serves lamb at Chef Vikram Vij’s Bollywood kitchen party.
ANDREA CHAN Chef Ned Bell serves lamb at Chef Vikram Vij’s Bollywood kitchen party.
 ?? ANDREA CHAN ?? Alberta Pork tenderloin medallions and braised cheek with pickled vegetables served at the gala dinner.
ANDREA CHAN Alberta Pork tenderloin medallions and braised cheek with pickled vegetables served at the gala dinner.
 ?? ANDREA CHAN ?? Panettone bread pudding served at the Farewell Brunch.
ANDREA CHAN Panettone bread pudding served at the Farewell Brunch.
 ?? DONNA CHRISTENSE­N ?? The Drift food truck and The Man Cabin provides late night fun for guests.
DONNA CHRISTENSE­N The Drift food truck and The Man Cabin provides late night fun for guests.
 ?? ANDREA CHAN ?? Roasted chestnut bombe with caramel milk jam and marsala honey jelly.
ANDREA CHAN Roasted chestnut bombe with caramel milk jam and marsala honey jelly.
 ?? ANDREA CHAN ?? A delectable life-sized gingerbrea­d house located in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge lobby.
ANDREA CHAN A delectable life-sized gingerbrea­d house located in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge lobby.

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