Your ultimate resource for the holidays in Grande Prairie is here! Our guide covers all the events and activities you need to enjoy a festive and fun-filled season. For Grande Prairie devotees and casual admirers, this guide is your compass to seasonal wonders.
One of the highlights to look forward to is the Festival of Trees, where elaborately decorated trees create a magical atmosphere. Featuring unique handcrafted items and gifts, the Christmas Craft Show and Marketplace offers a perfect opportunity to find that special holiday treasure. And the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a serene and beautiful way to celebrate the season's spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Grande Prairie
- Festival of Trees
- Christmas Craft Show and Marketplace
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- Holiday Light Tour
- Spirit of Christmas Campaign
- Operation Christmas Child
- Winter Wonderland Skate
- Silent Night Nativity Exhibit
- New Year’s Eve Family Skate
- Letters to Santa Workshop
Grande Prairie Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Light Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborately decorated homes
Description:
Grande Prairie's Holiday Light Tour illuminates the city with dazzling displays. Residents compete to create the most impressive light installations, turning neighborhoods into glowing galleries. The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace, discovering hidden gems tucked away on residential streets. This tradition, dating back to the 1960s, showcases the community's creative spirit. You can vote for your favorite display using a mobile app, adding an interactive element to the experience.
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Grande Prairie Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Show and Marketplace
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and handmade goods
Description:
Grande Prairie's Christmas Craft Show and Marketplace spotlights the region's talented artisans. The event buzzes with creativity as local makers display their handcrafted wares, from intricate jewelry to rustic home decor. Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the community's artistic heritage. The marketplace, a tradition since the early 1990s, reflects the area's rich crafting culture. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional crafting techniques from skilled artisans.
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Christmas Craft Show and Marketplace
Grande Prairie Holiday Giving Opportunities
Spirit of Christmas Campaign
What to Expect:
Community-wide effort to support local families in need
Description:
The Spirit of Christmas Campaign in Grande Prairie rallies the community to support local families facing hardship. This grassroots initiative collects donations of food, clothing, and gifts, ensuring everyone can celebrate the season. Local businesses serve as collection points, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The campaign, which began in the 1980s, exemplifies Grande Prairie's strong community bonds. Volunteers can participate in sorting and distributing donations, directly impacting their neighbors' lives.
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Operation Christmas Child
What to Expect:
International gift-giving program with local impact
Description:
Operation Christmas Child in Grande Prairie connects the community to a global mission of spreading joy. Participants fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children in need worldwide. The program, part of an international effort, has been embraced by Grande Prairie since the late 1990s. Local schools and churches collaborate to pack thousands of boxes annually. Volunteers can join assembly line-style packing parties, turning generosity into a social event.
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Grande Prairie Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Grande Prairie into a forest of creativity. Local businesses and organizations showcase their artistry by decorating unique Christmas trees, which are then auctioned off to support community initiatives. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs while sipping hot cocoa. This event, rooted in the city's philanthropic spirit since 1989, brings together art and generosity. You'll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite tree, adding a touch of friendly competition to the festivities.
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Silent Night Nativity Exhibit
What to Expect:
Diverse collection of nativity scenes from around the world
Description:
The Silent Night Nativity Exhibit in Grande Prairie showcases a global perspective on a familiar scene. The collection features nativity sets from various cultures, highlighting diverse artistic interpretations of the Christmas story. Each display is accompanied by information about its origin and cultural significance. This exhibit, curated by local historians, offers insight into Grande Prairie's multicultural heritage. Visitors can contribute to a community-created nativity scene, adding their personal touch to the exhibition.
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Christmas Carol Karaoke Night
What to Expect:
Combines karaoke with Christmas carols in a festive pub setting
Description:
Christmas Carol Karaoke Night in Grande Prairie reinvents holiday sing-alongs. Participants belt out their favorite carols in a lively pub atmosphere, complete with ugly sweater contests and holiday-themed drinks. The event mixes traditional carols with pop Christmas hits, catering to all musical tastes. This modern take on caroling, started by local music enthusiasts in 2015, has become a beloved annual tradition. You can form impromptu duets or groups, fostering new friendships through shared musical moments.
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Grande Prairie Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Combines traditional carols with modern worship
Description:
Grande Prairie's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service blends timeless tradition with contemporary worship. As candles flicker, voices unite in a mix of classic carols and modern praise songs, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere. The service, held in one of the city's historic churches, honors Grande Prairie's diverse religious heritage. Attendees can participate in a special candle-lighting ceremony, symbolizing hope and unity. This event offers a moment of reflection amidst the holiday bustle.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Winter Wonderland Skate
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating rink with themed music and light show
Description:
The Winter Wonderland Skate in Grande Prairie transforms an outdoor rink into a captivating spectacle. Skaters glide across the ice as synchronized lights dance to a curated playlist of holiday tunes. This event, inspired by European winter markets, brings a touch of international flair to Alberta. Visitors can warm up with locally sourced hot beverages between skating sessions. The rink's unique design incorporates elements of Grande Prairie's natural landscape, creating a truly immersive experience.
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New Year’s Eve Family Skate
What to Expect:
Combines ice skating with New Year's countdown celebration
Description:
Grande Prairie's New Year's Eve Family Skate offers a unique twist on traditional celebrations. Families take to the ice for a final skate of the year, culminating in a special countdown on skates. The event features live music performances by local artists, adding a festive soundtrack to the gliding crowd. This alcohol-free celebration, initiated in 2010, provides a family-friendly alternative to typical New Year's parties. Children can participate in on-ice games and contests throughout the evening.
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Letters to Santa Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive letter-writing experience with direct "delivery" to North Pole
Description:
The Letters to Santa Workshop in Grande Prairie brings a cherished tradition to life. Children craft personalized letters to Santa with the help of "elf" volunteers, using special stationery and art supplies. The workshop, set in a replica of Santa's post office, immerses participants in North Pole charm. This event, inspired by Canada Post's Santa Letter program, adds a local touch to a nationwide tradition. Kids can watch as their letters are "mailed" through a magical portal, guaranteeing delivery to the North Pole.