Light Up the Season: Giving Back with Lemon Light Up

The holiday season has a way of bringing people together. It’s a time for reconnecting with loved ones, celebrating familiar traditions and finding little ways to make a difference in the lives of others. And while the festive lights, seasonal treats and holiday gatherings are all part of the magic, there’s something even more meaningful about coming together for a good cause.

This November, The Westley Hotel invites Calgary locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season with the return of Lemon Light Up, an annual community tradition that puts giving back at the heart of the festivities.

Now in its fifth year, Lemon Light Up is more than just a holiday tree lighting. It’s an opportunity to connect with the community, support families navigating Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and kick off the holiday season with a little extra purpose.

A Holiday Tradition with a Meaningful Purpose

On Monday, November 16, 2026, The Westley will welcome the community for its fifth annual Lemon Light Up, an evening dedicated to connection, festive cheer and supporting an important cause.

The event supports the Love for Lewiston Foundation, a Calgary-based charity founded by Jessica Janzen Olstad and Ronnie Olstad in memory of their son, Lewiston. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disorder that primarily impacts infants and young children.

Since 2017, Love for Lewiston has partnered with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation to help fund critical research and initiatives, including newborn screening research, Rotary Flames House and other important hospital programs. Together, they’ve contributed more than $600,000 to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

At its core, the foundation is about helping families navigate incredibly difficult circumstances while supporting better outcomes and opportunities for children living with SMA.

It’s a reminder that even small acts of generosity can contribute to something much bigger. And that’s exactly what Lemon Light Up is all about.

Good Food, Festive Drinks and Giving Back

Of course, giving back doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun along the way.

Lemon Light Up brings together all the things we love about the holiday season: good food, festive drinks, familiar faces and a welcoming atmosphere for the whole community.

Guests can enjoy a variety of food stations, pick up a refreshing drink from the signature lemonade stand or visit the bar for seasonal cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine. There will also be custom holiday ornaments available for purchase — a little something to take home while supporting a meaningful cause.

And here’s where the giving back comes in: a portion of food and drink ticket sales, along with proceeds from ornament purchases, will go directly to Love for Lewiston to help provide vital support for families affected by SMA.

Make a Little Time for a Little More Good

Whether you’re a longtime Calgary local or visiting the city this November, Lemon Light Up is a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season while supporting a cause that matters.

Join us at The Westley Hotel on Monday, November 16, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Admission is free and open to everyone, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities and give back throughout the evening.

Bring your friends, bring the family and come ready for an evening of festive bites, seasonal drinks, holiday shopping and community spirit. Let’s light up the season together — one little act of kindness at a time.

Learn more about Lemon Light Up and reserve your spot at The Westley Hotel.