Well folks, not only are we at the end of December, but we’re also at the end of 2021! Between recent restrictions and the cold weather, you might think that the roundup of things to do in Edmonton this January is limited. Not so fast! We’ve got a wide range of options lined up for you, ranging from live events to outdoor activities and food festivals. Let’s check it out!
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this January.
LIVE EVENTS
EDMONTON OILERS
After a scalding hot start to the season, the Oilers have cooled off a little bit in the last few weeks. Know what would help them get back on top? Seeing a bunch of friendly faces in the seats during their next home games!
When: Games throughout January
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Here’s something completely different for the sports fans out there! At the time of writing, the Harlem Globetrotters are still planning to swing by Edmonton to show off their insane basketball skills. We hate to say it, but we’d be just as pumped to see them live as an actual NBA game.
When: January 9th
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: $26+
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The ESO has got some great variety in store for music lovers this month. You can hear everything from the late jazz legend Charlie Parker to full-blown symphonies. So, if you’re looking for a high-class night out, this is a great option to keep in mind.
When: Concerts throughout January
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
CHARLOTTE CARDIN
It’s not just symphonies and jazz in store for January! The Quebecois singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin is coming to Edmonton later in the month, and is bringing her beautiful sound with her.
When: January 25th
Where: 10030 – 102 Street
Cost: Sold out, check verified resale sites for tickets
WINTERRUPTION
At the time of writing, Edmonton’s winter music festival is still a go! Taking place at venues across the city, the festival is a showcase of amazing talent from Alberta and beyond. Check out the lineup, pick a band/show you like, or go all in and grab a festival wristband.
When: January 27th to 30th
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
OUTDOORS/SPORTS
ICE ON WHYTE
The Ice on Whyte Festival is back! At the end of this month, some amazing ice sculptors will be creating stunning pieces all along Whyte Ave. Whether you’re taking a peek during a shopping trip, checking them out before or after dinner one night, or just going see them by themselves, this is a great option in Edmonton for January.
When: Starts January 27th
Where: Whyte Avenue
Cost: $6 for GA
DEEP FREEZE: A BYZANTINE WINTER FEST
Now celebrating its 15th year (!!) Deep Freeze festival is undoubtedly a must for anyone looking to make the most of the colder months. This celebration of local art, and the city itself, offers a ton of incredible art installations, learning opportunities, and more.
When: January 14th to 23rd
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Free!
LUMINARIA
While the frosty weather has affected the regular hours of this incredible light display, we’re holding out hope that there will be at least a few days where you can go check it out. If you haven’t, we highly suggest you do- the U of A Botanic Garden is pretty enough on its own, but downright beautiful during Luminaria.
When: Open until January 9th
Where: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Tickets: $21 for GA
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Elk Island is a veritable winter wonderland year after year, and luckily, you can check it out no matter the weather. Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo in true winter fashion, this national park is always worth the drive out there.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO SKATING
One thing’s for sure- Edmonton’s skating rinks are going to be frozen solid for quite some time. Bring a Thermos of hot chocolate with you, go for a skate, and then really feel like you earned a night inside binge-watching movies or TV shows. That’s what we do, at least.
When: Open throughout January
Where: All around Edmonton
ACC ICE WALL
Edmonton’s Ice Wall has returned for another season! This unique attraction is the perfect combination between the thrills of ice climbing without all the, you know, inherent danger of it. Whether you’re already into climbing or just wanna try something new, they’ve got options for everyone.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+
SNOW VALLEY
Edmonton has no shortage of local ski hills for you to check out. Our first pick is Snow Valley, which offers a great spot for those just getting into the sport. The vast majority of the hill is beginner or intermediate, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally stumbling on to a black diamond run.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: Varies
SUNRIDGE
Next up on our local ski tour is Sunridge. In addition to the classic downhill runs, this spot also offers snow tubing for those who don’t really want to get fully kitted up to enjoy their time on the slopes.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 10980 17 Street NW
Cost: Varies
RABBIT HILL
One big draw of Rabbit Hill? With over 40 acres when fully open, the hill is actually the largest to check out in the city. That means more runs and a pretty big terrain park to check out, just in case you’re trying to push yourself to be more extreme this winter. As for us? We’re happy cruising down the groomers.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 20715 57 Avenue SW
Cost: Varies
EDMONTON SKI CLUB
Last but not least, we come to the Edmonton Ski Club! The home of the Ice Wall, the Edmonton Ski Club offers classic skiing options plus a snowtube park, making it one of the most versatile local attractions in the city.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
GET OUT TO THE MOUNTAINS
For those looking for some extra effort excitement this month, keep in mind that Marmot Basin in Jasper is just a half day away! Whether you’re being an absolute trooper for an overnight trip, or taking a couple of impromptu days off work, this is more than worth the journey.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper
Cost: Varies
FOOD AND DRINK
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
Farmers markets trips in the winter? You better believe it! Edmonton’s markets operate year-round, offering a great place to stock up for that major weekend meal you’ve had in your mind for the past few weeks/months.
When: Open throughout January
Where: Locations around Edmonton
ARTS & CULTURE
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
James Cameron is truly a man of many worlds. The new exhibition at the Telus World of Science will explore his quest to go deeper into the ocean than any person before him. Because really, when you’ve got Avatar money, anything is possible.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Learn a little bit about everything this month at the Royal Alberta Museum! From geology to botany, archeology to Indigenous studies, there’s no doubt you’ll be leaving that much more knowledgable about the province than when you came in.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
The AGA has pulled out all the stops for the winter, with a whopping 8 temporary exhibits in addition to their permanent collections. If you’re looking to spend a few hours staring at pretty art, it doesn’t get much better than this.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
MISCELLANEOUS
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
If you’re not feeling winter’s chilly embrace, remember that the Muttart Conservatory is back in action! Take a trip to this incredible indoor garden in the city, which we admit might double as one of our favourite buildings in the city.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
That’s what we have in mind for the things to do in Edmonton this January, folks! Go make the most of the cold and stay safe out there!
