Christmas 2022: 9 Festive Things to Do in Edmonton This Season
November 25, 2022 7:00 am
If you’re looking for a few fun and family-friendly ways to celebrate the holidays this year, here are a some of our top suggestions.
1. Jingle Bells: Dashing Through the Snow
When: Nov. 19th, 2022 – Jan. 2nd, 2023
Where: The Muttart Conservatory
The Muttart Conservatory’s Feature Pyramid will be the site of many evening concerts this season, including two Candlelight Christmas performances from three-time Canadian folk award nominees, The McDades. All performances will be highlighted by Muttart-grown poinsettias, a snow-inspired light show and photo opportunities with Santa. Combined, the Muttart pyramids include more than 700 species of plants in three climate-regulated biodomes: arid, temperate and tropical.
2. Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story
When: Nov. 23rd, 2022 – Dec. 31st, 2022, 5pm -10pm
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden
A glittering evening festival featuring winter-inspired sights, sounds and tastes. Luminaria visitors can enjoy Alpine-themed food and drink in the cozy chalet before strolling the candle-lit pathways of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Other attractions include the Village Square, the Woodland express holiday train, the Winter Queen’s Royal Garden, Sprites Hollow, and the wood-cabin-lined Alpine Garden.
3. Canadian Tire Magic of Lights
When: Nov. 24th, 2022 – Jan. 1st, 2023, 5pm-10pm
Where: RAD Torque Raceway, Leduc County, AB
Explore over 1.5 million sparkling lights, LED displays and digital animations from the comfort of your vehicle. The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights offers visitors a unique 2.5 km drive-thru experience characterized by holiday scenes and themes such as the 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland Prehistoric Christmas and the awe-inspiriting 200-foot Tunnel of Lights. Don’t forget to tune your radio to the choreographed seasonal soundtrack to enjoy holiday music favourites as you go. The event also offers “drive-up” photo opportunities with Santa and a VIP experience.
4. Edmonton Christmas Market: Fort Edmonton Park
When: Nov. 30th, 2022 – Dec, 19th, 2022, 3pm – 8pm
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton’s most anticipated Christmas Market returns to Fort Edmonton Park! For 18 days, visit over 100+ rotating local vendors, including everything from apparel, lifestyle and home goods to artisan items, jewelry, etc. In addition to family-friendly activities, live performances and holiday-themed workshops, this year’s market will include roving performances, tasty treats, breathtaking light displays and much more.
Find a Christmas market near you by checking out this local Holiday Markets and Crafts Shows guide.
5. Glow Edmonton – A Fairytale Christmas
When: Dec. 1st, 2022 – Jan. 1st, 2023
- 4pm – 9pm (Mon – Thurs)
- 4pm – 10pm (Fri)
- 1pm – 10pm (Sat)
- 1pm – 9pm (Sun)
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Help Santa find his presents and save Christmas at GLOW Edmonton. A completely immersive experience, this year’s GLOW light gardens include a light tunnel, hanging lights, LED swings and plenty of fairytale character favourites. From delicious food and live entertainment to children’s activities and the famous Merry Maker’s Market, you’ll soon discover there’s plenty to see and do under the twinkle of a million lights. Fairytale character visits include Cinderella, Belle and the Beast, Spiderman, Olaf and more.
6. Leduc Country Lights
When: Dec. 1st, 2022 – Dec. 31st, 2022
- 5pm – 9pm (Sun – Thurs)
- 5pm – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Where: Leduc County, AB
What first started as a small Christmas light display has now transformed into one of the most prominent Christmas attractions in the capital region! The Leduc Country Lights have captivated holiday visitors for over 15 years with dazzling light displays spread over eight acres of walkable trails. 100% volunteer-run, the lights are also pet-friendly (on-leash), with an affordable admission rate of just $2 per person. Leduc Food Bank donations are also appreciated.
7. Zoominescence
When:
- Dec. 2nd, 2022 – Jan. 1st, 2023 (weekends), 430pm – 9pm
- Dec. 16th, 2022 – Jan. 1st, 2023 (open all week, closed Dec. 24th and 25th), 430pm – 9pm
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo
Celebrating a decade of “Light, Love and Animal Conservation,” Zoominescence is back for its 10th year. Hosted by the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the Valley Zoo Development Society, Zoominescence will see a grand exhibition of light installations, skating, ice sculptures, hot chocolate and, of course, animals. Families may also look forward to several themed weekends, including Superhero Weekend (Dec. 2), Fairytale Weekend (Dec. 9) and Holiday Week featuring the Grinch (starting Dec. 16). Nightly otter feeding, lynx and reindeer talks will also be taking place.
8. Edmonton Downtown Holiday Light Up
When: Dec. 3rd, 2022, 3pm – 8pm
Where: Rice Howard Way
This year’s Downtown Holiday Light Up takes place on Rice Howard Way and will include one-of-a-kind art installations (including a life-sized illuminated polar bear and a 10-metre light wall), lantern-making workshops, a Christmas market and Indigenous performances. Many local businesses will also be taking part in the celebration by offering in-store specials and extended hours. Free parking is available for attendees in the Edmonton City Centre East Parkade between 10am and 9pm.
For more information on Light Up festivals and parade events taking place in and around Edmonton, check out FamilyFun Edmonton’s Holiday Light Up and Parade Guide.
9. Candy Cane Lane
When: Dec. 9th, 2022 – Jan. 1st, 2023, 6pm – 11pm
Where: 148th Street between 99th and 92nd Ave.
YEG Candy Cane Lane has been a much-loved Edmonton Christmas tradition for over 50 years. Located in Edmonton’s beautiful Crestwood community, this must-see event offers fantastical decorations, sleigh rides, fire pits and food trucks. Even more impressive, the event is 100% volunteer and resident-run and represents the second largest contributor to the Edmonton Food Bank (organizers kindly request your donation of a non-perishable food item). Note: Open Street Nights (foot traffic only) will be held December 10, 17 and 23rd, and closed to all vehicles.
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Related:
- 7 Indoor (AND Outdoor) Home Maintenance Tips For This Winter
- Moving to Edmonton: 10 Things You Should Know
- 9 Easy New Year’s Resolutions (You’ll Be Able to Keep)
Categorised in: Lifestyle
This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group