Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get set for a holiday adventure in Edmonton with our guide. Discover all the top festive events. For Edmonton regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular during the season, the Glow Christmas Festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland with captivating light displays and a variety of holiday activities. Featuring its signature illuminated pathways, Candy Cane Lane offers a delightful neighborhood experience adorned with festive decorations. And the Zoominescence is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing brilliant light displays that celebrate wildlife in a stunning setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Edmonton Holiday Light Displays
Glow Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Interactive light maze and live entertainment.
- Description
- The Glow Christmas Festival at Edmonton Expo Centre features towering light gardens, live entertainment, a Merry Makers Market with unique handmade crafts, and a variety of food and drink options. It includes a scavenger hunt through a light maze, a toddler play area, and an LED dance floor. The event offers something for everyone with daily special events and activities.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Glow Christmas Festival
Candy Cane Lane
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display with a focus on local participation and charitable giving.
- Description
- Candy Cane Lane is a beloved Edmonton tradition featuring residential light displays along 148th Street, welcoming all to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Candy Cane Lane
Zoominescence
- What to Expect
- Spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations celebrating animal conservation.
- Description
- Zoominescence is a festival of light at the Edmonton Valley Zoo featuring artistic installations, animal talks, and character performers, celebrating light, artistry, and community spirit.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Zoominescence
Holiday Magic on 124th Street
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays and festive activities.
- Description
- Embrace the arrival of the winter season along 124th Street with a dazzling display of lights, live music, and festive activities. Bask in the warmth of the Beverage Gardens and enjoy delicious treats over a fire. The event features immersive light installations, interactive ice carving, and Santa's presence, making it a joyous celebration for families and patrons of all ages.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Holiday Magic on 124th Street
Glow Christmas Festival Market
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday light spectacle with diverse activities.
- Description
- The Glow Christmas Festival Market features over one million twinkling lights, a light maze, toddler play area, LED dance floor, live entertainment, and a Merry Makers Market with unique handmade crafts and local artisans.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Glow Christmas Festival Market
Edmonton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and farmers showcase their unique, handcrafted goods.
- Description
- The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas event offers a variety of locally crafted gifts and seasonal items, celebrating the community's artisans and farmers.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Old Strathcona Farmers' Market Christmas Market
The Magic of Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Rotating vendors and chef-driven menu.
- Description
- The Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park offers a curated holiday market featuring 120 rotating vendors, unique holiday-themed activities, live performances, and dazzling light displays. Indulge in new culinary creations and festive beverages while exploring our chef-driven menu.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : The Magic of Christmas Market
Edmonton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Light Rail
- What to Expect
- Decorated rail cars with LED lights and live music performances.
- Description
- The CPKC Holiday Train is a festive rail event that tours North America, spreading cheer and raising money, food, and awareness for community food banks. The train features 14 rail cars decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights and a traveling stage for professional musicians.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Holiday Light Rail
CP Holiday Train
- What to Expect
- Decorated rail car with live music performances.
- Description
- The CP Holiday Train is a 1,000-foot-long rail car decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights, featuring a traveling stage for professional musicians. It raises money, food, and awareness for community food banks while spreading holiday cheer.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : CP Holiday Train
Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- 150 singers in a 35-foot tall Christmas tree with a full orchestra.
- Description
- The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree features over 150 choir members, a full orchestra, and special guests, including John Cameron, in a 35-foot tall Christmas tree. The event promises a joyful and entertaining experience with singing, dancing, and festive celebrations.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
All Is Bright Festival
- What to Expect
- Live performances by a JUNO-nominated artist.
- Description
- All Is Bright Festival is a free, family-friendly event along 124th Street featuring live performances, roaming entertainment, and fun winter activities. JUNO-nominated artist Steadies will headline the event.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : All Is Bright Festival
A Drag Queen Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live performances by iconic drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race.
- Description
- A Drag Queen Christmas features an all-star lineup of queens from RuPaul's Drag Race, including Plasma, Q, Shea Coulee, Trinity the Tuck, Miz Cracker, Manila Luzon, Venus, and Gisele Lullaby. Hosted by Brooke Lynn Hytes, this 10th Anniversary Tour promises an unforgettable night of live performances.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : A Drag Queen Christmas
Home Alone in Concert
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score.
- Description
- Home Alone in Concert features John Williams' iconic score performed live by the FILMharmonique Orchestra, accompanied by the beloved comedy classic starring Macaulay Culkin. This heart-warming holiday favorite tells the story of an 8-year-old boy defending his home against two bungling thieves.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Home Alone in Concert
HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis
- What to Expect
- Interactive comedy show where audience members become stars under hypnosis.
- Description
- HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis is a live show that combines hypnosis and improv comedy, featuring world-renowned hypnotist Asad Mecci and all-star improvisers. The show includes random acts of hilarity, such as singing an opera or juggling chainsaws, all while the performers are under hypnosis.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis
Alberta Ballet - The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes
- Description
- A captivating interpretation of the classic tale, showcasing Alberta Ballet's renowned talent and artistry. The performance features stunning choreography, beautifully designed sets, and exquisite costumes that bring the beloved story to life through the magic of dance. Attendees are treated to a performance filled with holiday spirit and musical splendor.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Alberta Ballet - The Nutcracker
Edmonton Other Holiday Activities
Luminaria
- What to Expect
- Immersive winter experience with candle-lit pathways and seasonal activities.
- Description
- Luminaria is a winter event at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden featuring candle-lit pathways, hot apple cider, and seasonal sounds. Guests can explore the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Where
- Edmonton | More Info : Luminaria