Excited for holiday celebrations in St. Albert? Our guide has all the events you need! Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of St. Albert's holidays.
One of the highlights of this season is the St. Albert Snowflake Festival, which brings the community together with dazzling lights and festive activities. Experience the magic of the holidays with the Polar Express Train Ride, a unique journey that captures the imagination of both young and old. And definitely don't forget the Festival of Trees, an event that transforms the city into a winter wonderland with beautifully decorated trees. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in St. Albert
- St. Albert Snowflake Festival
- Polar Express Train Ride
- St. Albert Christmas Market
- Holiday Light Display
St. Albert Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Light Display
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display synchronized to music
Description:
St. Albert's Holiday Light Display offers a unique drive-through experience where thousands of lights dance in synchronization with holiday music. This innovative display combines technology and artistry to create a captivating visual spectacle. The event showcases the city's commitment to embracing modern traditions while maintaining a strong sense of community. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station to hear the accompanying soundtrack. The display includes a towering Christmas tree centerpiece, visible from across the city.
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St. Albert Holiday Markets and Shopping
St. Albert Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers showcase unique holiday gifts
Description:
The St. Albert Christmas Market spotlights the talents of local artisans and producers. This event celebrates the city's commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering community connections. Visitors can browse through a diverse array of handcrafted gifts, from intricate jewelry to artisanal foods. The market pays homage to St. Albert's agricultural roots, featuring many locally sourced products. Live demonstrations by craftspeople offer a glimpse into the skill and dedication behind the unique items on display.
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St. Albert Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride experience based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride in St. Albert brings a beloved children's story to life. Passengers embark on a journey through a winter landscape, complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the classic tale. The experience culminates with a visit to the "North Pole," where Santa awaits. This event pays homage to Canada's rich railway history, which played a crucial role in the country's development. Children receive a special silver bell, just like in the story, creating lasting memories of this unique adventure.
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St. Albert Other Holiday Activities
St. Albert Snowflake Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations
Description:
St. Albert's Snowflake Festival transforms the city into a winter spectacle with interactive ice sculptures dotting the landscape. Visitors can marvel at live ice carving demonstrations, showcasing the skill and artistry of talented sculptors. The festival, which began in 1995, celebrates the region's rich winter heritage. You can try your hand at ice fishing, a traditional winter activity in Alberta. The crisp sound of skates on ice fills the air as families glide across outdoor rinks, embracing the cold Canadian winter.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
Edmonton's Festival of Trees showcases an array of elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each a unique work of art. These stunning creations are auctioned off to support local healthcare initiatives. The event, which began in 1985, has raised millions for the University Hospital Foundation. Visitors can participate in a silent auction, bidding on smaller themed trees and wreaths. The festival also features live music performances, adding a joyful atmosphere to the charitable proceedings.
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Candy Cane Lane (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday light display with candy cane theme
Description:
Candy Cane Lane in Edmonton is a grassroots holiday tradition where an entire neighborhood collaborates to create a dazzling light display. The street is adorned with countless candy cane decorations, giving it its iconic name. This community-driven event began in the 1960s and has grown into a beloved local custom. Visitors can stroll down the illuminated streets, taking in the creative and often whimsical displays. The lane also serves as a collection point for Edmonton's Food Bank, combining holiday cheer with community support.
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Luminaria (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Thousands of candles illuminate a botanical garden
Description:
Luminaria transforms Edmonton's Devonian Botanic Garden into a serene winter retreat. Thousands of candles line the pathways, casting a warm glow across the snow-covered landscape. This event draws inspiration from various cultural traditions that celebrate light during the darkest time of the year. Visitors can warm up with a cup of hot apple cider while exploring the illuminated gardens. The gentle sound of bells and chimes adds to the peaceful atmosphere, creating a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
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Christmas in November (Jasper)
What to Expect:
Multi-day culinary and lifestyle event in a mountain resort setting
Description:
Christmas in November transports guests to the picturesque Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for a unique holiday experience. This long-running event combines culinary workshops, lifestyle seminars, and outdoor activities in a stunning mountain setting. Renowned chefs and lifestyle experts share their knowledge, offering hands-on experiences to participants. The event celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the holiday season while showcasing innovative approaches to festive entertaining. Guests can participate in guided nature walks, exploring the breathtaking winter landscape of Jasper National Park.
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Festival of Lights (Spruce Grove)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and activities in a small-town setting
Description:
Spruce Grove's Festival of Lights illuminates Central Park with a dazzling array of interactive light displays. This event transforms the small town into a vibrant hub of holiday activity. Visitors can engage with light-up games and photo opportunities scattered throughout the park. The festival honors Spruce Grove's community spirit, bringing together local businesses and residents to create a shared holiday experience. A highlight of the event is the towering "Giving Tree," where attendees can contribute to local charities.
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Glow Christmas Festival (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Massive indoor light garden and market
Description:
Edmonton's Glow Christmas Festival creates an immersive indoor light experience, sheltering visitors from the harsh winter weather. This event features themed light gardens, each telling a unique story through intricate light installations. The festival draws inspiration from global light celebrations, bringing an international flair to the Canadian winter. Visitors can explore a light-filled train ride, adding an element of whimsy to the experience. The event also hosts a curated market, showcasing local artisans and their holiday-themed creations.
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Santa Claus Parade (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Edmonton's Santa Claus Parade lights up the night with a procession of brilliantly illuminated floats. This evening parade offers a unique twist on the traditional daytime format, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of lights and colors. The event pays homage to Edmonton's diverse community, with floats representing various cultural holiday traditions. Spectators can enjoy the warmth of hot chocolate as they watch the parade pass by. The grand finale features Santa himself, arriving on an elaborately decorated sleigh.
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Jubilations Dinner Theatre Christmas Show (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Interactive dinner theatre with a holiday twist
Description:
Jubilations Dinner Theatre's Christmas Show in Edmonton combines fine dining with interactive entertainment. This unique experience immerses guests in a holiday-themed performance while they enjoy a multi-course meal. The show often incorporates local humor and references, celebrating Edmonton's unique culture. Audience members may find themselves part of the action, as actors move throughout the dining area during the performance. The theatre's intimate setting allows for up-close interactions with the talented cast, creating a personal and memorable holiday experience.
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Jubilations Dinner Theatre Christmas Show
Strathcona Christmas Market (Sherwood Park)
What to Expect:
Historic setting for a European-style Christmas market
Description:
The Strathcona Christmas Market in Sherwood Park recreates the charm of a European holiday market in a historic Alberta setting. Held in the Strathcona County Museum and Archives, this event blends local history with holiday traditions. Visitors can browse stalls offering unique gifts and seasonal treats while surrounded by exhibits showcasing the area's past. The market features artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into holiday preparations of yesteryear. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air, adding to the old-world atmosphere.
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Zoolights (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Zoo animals incorporated into light displays
Description:
Zoolights transforms the Edmonton Valley Zoo into a luminous winter attraction, with light displays cleverly incorporating animal themes. This event offers a unique after-hours zoo experience, allowing visitors to see the grounds in a whole new light. The zoo's conservation efforts are highlighted through educational displays integrated with the light installations. Guests can warm up at fire pits scattered throughout the zoo, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. A particular highlight is the light-up tunnel, designed to mimic the aurora borealis.
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Whoville Holiday Market (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Dr. Seuss-themed holiday market and activities
Description:
Edmonton's Whoville Holiday Market brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life with a unique holiday twist. This event transforms a local venue into the fantastical town of Whoville, complete with curved architecture and colorful decorations. Visitors can shop for Seuss-inspired gifts and treats from local vendors dressed as Whoville characters. The market pays homage to the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss's stories, which have captivated readers for generations. Children can participate in Grinch-themed games, embracing the playful spirit of the beloved holiday tale.
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Fort Saskatchewan Enchanted Forest (Fort Saskatchewan)
What to Expect:
Forest trail transformed with lights and interactive displays
Description:
Fort Saskatchewan's Enchanted Forest turns a natural woodland into a captivating holiday experience. This event combines light displays with interactive elements along a forest trail, creating an immersive journey through a winter landscape. The forest setting pays tribute to the area's natural beauty and the importance of preserving green spaces. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden woodland creatures among the illuminated trees. The trail also features storytelling stations, where local legends and holiday tales are shared.
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Fort Saskatchewan Enchanted Forest
Rutherford House Victorian Christmas (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
Authentic Victorian-era Christmas celebrations in a historic home
Description:
Rutherford House Victorian Christmas in Edmonton offers a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. This event takes place in the restored home of Alberta's first premier, authentically decorated for a turn-of-the-century Christmas. Visitors can experience traditional Victorian holiday activities, such as making pomanders or participating in parlor games. The event highlights the cultural significance of many modern Christmas traditions that originated in the Victorian era. The scent of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, recreating the aromas of a 19th-century kitchen during the holiday season.
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Rutherford House Victorian Christmas
Deck the Hall (Edmonton)
What to Expect:
City Hall transformed into a holiday celebration space
Description:
Deck the Hall turns Edmonton's City Hall into a hub of holiday activity, bringing civic pride and seasonal cheer together. This event transforms the formal government building into a welcoming space for community celebration. Visitors can admire the grand Christmas tree in the building's atrium, a tradition that began in the early 1990s. The event features performances by local choirs and musicians, showcasing Edmonton's vibrant arts scene. Children can participate in craft workshops, creating decorations that reflect the city's diverse cultural heritage.