Plan your holiday adventure in Edmonton with our ultimate guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the festive spirit of Edmonton.
One standout event is Candy Cane Lane, where families can enjoy brilliantly decorated homes and light displays. Experience the serene beauty of thousands of candles lighting up the pathways at Luminaria. And don't forget, Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring whimsical light sculptures and nighttime zoo experiences. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Edmonton
- Candy Cane Lane
- Luminaria
- Zoominescence
- Holiday Light Rail
- Glow Christmas Festival
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- CP Holiday Train
- Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
- Muttart Conservatory Christmas Display
- Holiday Magic on 124th Street
Edmonton Holiday Light Displays
Candy Cane Lane
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday light display
Description:
Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane transforms an entire neighborhood into a dazzling holiday spectacle. Residents of 148th Street collaborate to create elaborate light displays, continuing a tradition that began in the 1960s. Visitors can stroll or drive through the illuminated wonderland, marveling at the creativity on display. The event also supports the Edmonton Food Bank, with donation bins placed along the route. As you explore, the crisp winter air carries the scent of hot cocoa from nearby food trucks.
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Zoominescence
What to Expect:
Zoo-themed light sculptures
Description:
Zoominescence brings the Edmonton Valley Zoo to life after dark with animal-themed light installations. Intricate sculptures depict exotic creatures, transforming the zoo into a luminous menagerie. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, discovering glowing representations of their favorite animals. The event highlights conservation efforts, educating guests about endangered species. As you explore, the gentle sounds of nocturnal animals add an authentic touch to the experience.
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Holiday Light Rail
What to Expect:
Festive train ride through illuminated landscapes
Description:
The Holiday Light Rail offers a unique twist on Edmonton's public transit. LRT cars adorned with twinkling lights embark on a special route, showcasing the city's best holiday displays. Passengers can enjoy the warmth of the train while gliding past illuminated landmarks. The event pays homage to Edmonton's railway history, blending modern transportation with holiday cheer. As you ride, carolers serenade with classic holiday tunes, creating a joyful atmosphere.
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Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up
What to Expect:
City center holiday kickoff event
Description:
Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up ignites the festive season in Edmonton's heart. The event culminates in the illumination of a massive Christmas tree in Sir Winston Churchill Square, symbolizing the start of holiday celebrations. Visitors can enjoy live performances and activities leading up to the big moment. The square has been Edmonton's central gathering place since the city's early days. As you countdown to the lighting, the excitement of the crowd becomes palpable.
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Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up
Edmonton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Glow Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Indoor light garden and market
Description:
Glow Christmas Festival brings the outdoors inside, creating a cozy winter retreat at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Visitors can wander through light tunnels and interactive displays, escaping the cold while enjoying the brilliance of over a million lights. The event features local artisans selling unique gifts, supporting Edmonton's creative community. As you explore, the aroma of freshly baked treats wafts through the air, tempting your taste buds.
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Holiday Magic on 124th Street
What to Expect:
Local business district holiday celebration
Description:
Holiday Magic on 124th Street spotlights Edmonton's vibrant local business community. The historic street comes alive with twinkling lights and window displays, showcasing the area's unique shops and eateries. Visitors can participate in a holiday scavenger hunt, discovering hidden gems along the way. The event celebrates the street's role as a cultural hub since the early 20th century. As you stroll, the sounds of street musicians add a festive soundtrack to your shopping experience.
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Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Historic market transformed for the holidays
Description:
The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas Market infuses holiday cheer into Edmonton's year-round farmers market. Local vendors offer unique gifts and seasonal treats, supporting the area's artisans and producers. Visitors can find everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally sourced holiday meal ingredients. The market has been a cornerstone of the Old Strathcona community since 1983. As you browse the stalls, the bustling atmosphere and friendly chatter create a warm, inviting environment.
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Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas Market
The Magic of Christmas Market
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor Christmas market
Description:
The Magic of Christmas Market brings a taste of European holiday traditions to Edmonton. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering artisanal gifts, seasonal treats, and warming beverages. Visitors can shop for unique presents while enjoying live entertainment and festive decor. The market draws inspiration from centuries-old European Christmas markets, blending Old World charm with Canadian hospitality. As you explore, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, evoking nostalgic holiday memories.
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Edmonton Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Fundraising event featuring designer-decorated trees
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms the Edmonton Convention Centre into a forest of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Local designers and organizations showcase their creativity, competing for the most impressive display. Visitors can admire the intricate designs and bid on their favorite trees, with proceeds supporting the University Hospital Foundation. The event has raised millions for healthcare since its inception in 1985. As you explore, the scent of fresh pine fills the air, evoking memories of holidays past.
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Christmas Bureau Hamper Delivery
What to Expect:
Community-wide effort to deliver holiday meals
Description:
The Christmas Bureau Hamper Delivery mobilizes Edmonton's community spirit. Volunteers fan out across the city, delivering food hampers to families in need. The event ensures that all Edmontonians can enjoy a holiday meal, regardless of their circumstances. This tradition of giving has been a part of Edmonton's fabric for over 80 years. As you participate, the gratitude of recipients warms your heart, even on the coldest winter day.
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Christmas Bureau Hamper Delivery
Edmonton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local twist on a classic ballet
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet in Edmonton infuses the timeless tale with Canadian flair. Alberta Ballet's production incorporates local elements, such as a backdrop inspired by the Rocky Mountains. Dancers glide across the stage, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life with precision and grace. The performance honors the ballet's 19th-century origins while celebrating Edmonton's cultural landscape. As you watch, the orchestra's live music envelops you in the story's emotion.
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CP Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling concert on a festively decorated train
Description:
The CP Holiday Train rolls into Edmonton, bringing live music and holiday cheer on its cross-country journey. The brightly lit locomotive serves as a moving stage for Canadian musicians, who perform for crowds at each stop. The event supports local food banks, embodying the spirit of giving. As the train arrives, its vibrant lights pierce the winter darkness, creating a spectacular entrance.
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Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Multi-tiered choir performance
Description:
The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree presents a unique choral spectacle. Singers arrange themselves on a massive tree-shaped structure, creating a living, breathing holiday decoration. The performance blends traditional carols with contemporary arrangements, showcasing local talent. This Edmonton tradition dates back to 1970, evolving into a beloved annual event. As you listen, the harmonious voices fill the venue, creating an immersive auditory experience.
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Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical adaptation of Dickens' classic
Description:
Edmonton's production of A Christmas Carol breathes new life into the timeless tale. The Citadel Theatre's adaptation incorporates innovative staging and local references, making Scrooge's journey uniquely Edmontonian. Audience members can feel transported to Victorian London while recognizing familiar Edmonton landmarks. The play has been a holiday tradition in the city for over 20 years, evolving with each production. As you watch, the actors' powerful performances draw you into the story's emotional core.
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Edmonton Other Holiday Activities
Luminaria
What to Expect:
Candlelit winter garden experience
Description:
Luminaria bathes the University of Alberta Botanic Garden in a soft, flickering glow. Thousands of candles line pathways, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the winter landscape. Visitors can warm their hands by crackling bonfires while sipping mulled wine. The event draws inspiration from similar European winter celebrations, blending Old World charm with Canadian hospitality. As you wander through the illuminated gardens, live music drifts through the air, adding to the serene ambiance.
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Muttart Conservatory Christmas Display
What to Expect:
Botanical holiday displays in glass pyramids
Description:
The Muttart Conservatory's Christmas Display transforms its iconic pyramids into holiday-themed botanical wonderlands. Each biome showcases plants and flowers arranged in festive designs, blending nature with seasonal decor. Visitors can explore the tropical, temperate, and arid pavilions, each offering a unique take on holiday flora. The event highlights the conservatory's role in preserving plant species from around the world. As you wander through the pyramids, the humid air carries the scent of exotic blooms.
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Muttart Conservatory Christmas Display
Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
What to Expect:
Gourmet holiday food and drink sampling event
Description:
The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival elevates holiday indulgence to an art form. Attendees can sample premium wines, spirits, and craft beers alongside gourmet bites from top local chefs. The event showcases the best of Alberta's culinary scene, with a focus on seasonal flavors. Visitors can learn about food and wine pairings from expert sommeliers. As you explore the festival, the aromas of savory dishes and mulled wine tantalize your senses.
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Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
YEG Candy Cane Hunt
What to Expect:
City-wide scavenger hunt for oversized candy canes
Description:
The YEG Candy Cane Hunt turns Edmonton into a playground for holiday enthusiasts. Giant candy canes are hidden throughout the city, challenging participants to explore neighborhoods and landmarks. Hunters can use clues shared on social media to locate the festive props. The event encourages Edmontonians to rediscover their city during the winter months. As you search, the thrill of the hunt adds excitement to your holiday adventures.
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Nearby Events
Snowflake Festival (St. Albert)
What to Expect:
Winter activities in a historic setting
Description:
St. Albert's Snowflake Festival transforms the city's charming downtown into a winter playground. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting or watch professionals create frozen masterpieces. The event celebrates St. Albert's French-Canadian heritage, featuring traditional music and cuisine. As you explore the festival grounds, the rhythmic sound of ice skates on the outdoor rink adds to the winter atmosphere.
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Santa Claus Parade (Fort Saskatchewan)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with big holiday spirit
Description:
Fort Saskatchewan's Santa Claus Parade brings small-town charm to the holiday season. Colorful floats and marching bands wind through the historic downtown, culminating in Santa's grand arrival. Spectators can enjoy free hot chocolate while watching the procession. The event celebrates Fort Saskatchewan's community spirit, which has thrived since the town's founding in the late 19th century. As you watch, the cheerful sounds of holiday music fill the air, creating a joyful atmosphere.
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Holiday Parade of Lights (Leduc)
What to Expect:
Evening parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Leduc's Holiday Parade of Lights brightens the winter night with a procession of glowing floats. The parade winds through the city streets, featuring creatively lit vehicles and costumed participants. Spectators can vote for their favorite entries, adding an interactive element to the event. The parade reflects Leduc's strong community bonds, which have been a hallmark of the city since its founding. As you watch, the twinkling lights of the floats create a mesmerizing display against the dark sky.
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Christmas Craft Show & Sale (St. Albert)
What to Expect:
Handmade holiday crafts from local artisans
Description:
St. Albert's Christmas Craft Show & Sale showcases the talents of local makers and artisans. Visitors can browse a wide array of handcrafted gifts, from intricate ornaments to cozy knitwear. The event supports the region's creative community, offering a platform for artists to share their work. Many of the crafts incorporate elements of Alberta's natural beauty and cultural heritage. As you peruse the booths, the passion and skill of the artisans become evident in every carefully crafted item.