It’s beginning to look a lot like… well… winter. And with some frostier days ahead of us, we think knowing the best things to do in Edmonton this December is a must. Turn that frown upside down with incredible options, be it outdoor activities, food and drink events, or some live shows!
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this December.
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
LUMINARIA
It’s only right that we kick this list off with one of the best activities for both the holiday season and winter in general. Luminaria will be transforming the already beautiful U of A Botanic Garden, with an insane array of incredible displays, seasonal treats, and more!
When: Open throughout December
Where: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Tickets: $21 for GA
ZOOMINESCENCE
Speaking of already great spots transforming for the holidays, Zoominescence is coming back to the Edmonton Valley Zoo! See your favourite animals amidst a sea of incredible light displays, in an evening-only experience.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $14.95
WINTER WONDER FOREST
Located just outside Edmonton, the Winter Wonder Forest offers a wonderful outdoor experience that includes visiting Santa’s workshop, sleigh rides, and more!
When: Open throughout December
Where: 23136 Secondary Highway 643 Gibbons, AB
Cost: $23.50+
GLOW EDMONTON
With over a million twinkling lights, Edmonton’s stunning indoor Glow festival will have you in total awe. This event honestly will have something for everyone including live entertainment, an artisan market, family-friendly activities and tasty food in addition to a stunning display – so check it out and enjoy!
When: Open throughout December
Where: 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Cost: $16+
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
When you see that Canadian Tire has slapped its approval on it, you know you’re in for a pretty big show. This drive-through lights experience has returned for another year, offering an amazing light show that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 50342 Range Rd 253
Cost: $30+ per car
EDMONTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
This already amazing Christmas market has added an extra touch this season! For their final weekend, they’ll be setting up shop at Fort Edmonton Park, and offering winter sleigh rides, seasonal treats, and even cocktails for a more adult experience
When: On until December 12th
Where: Various locations
Cost: $5
LIVE EVENTS
ALBERTA BALLET- THE NUTCRACKER
This iconic Christmas ballet is touching down in Edmonton for one weekend only! Relive the magic of Tchaikovsky’s holiday extravaganza, is a very fun (and cultured) fashion.
When: December 2nd to 5th
Where: 11455 87 Avenue NW
Cost: $78.91+
CITADEL THEATRE
Speaking of Christmas plays, the Citadel Theatre is putting on the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Our advice? Watch the Muppets version one day, then the classic the next!
When: Showtimes until December 23rd
Where: 9828 101 A Avenue
Cost: $34.65+
FUNK THE HALLS
Feeling a little funky this holiday season? The Funk Hunters are returning to Edmonton for a one-night-only celebration of two seemingly disparate genres- Christmas tunes and funk. It sounds weird, but this is an unforgettable way to enjoy the season.
When: December 11th
Where: 6240 99 St NW
Cost: $30
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The ESO is putting on a variety of holiday concerts this month, so it’s really just a matter of picking the one you like the sound of the most. Our top pick? Hollywood for the Holidays, which will see the orchestra performing a variety of tracks from major movies.
When: Concerts throughout December
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
OUTDOORS/SPORTS
EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers have been off to a rip-roaring start for the season, with (at time of writing) the best track record in their division. Know what will help it stay that way? A bunch of fans cheering them on at every home game!
When: Games throughout December
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: TBD
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Elk Island is a veritable winter wonderland year after year. 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 December
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO SKATING
We’re not complaining about the relatively mild fall so far, but it has pushed back the opening of the city’s various skating rinks. With any luck, these guys will be open in the coming days, offering a perfect way to unwind and have some fun one evening.
When: Opening TBA
Where: All around Edmonton
ACC ICE WALL
The Ice Wall is coming back to Edmonton this winter! At last, we can experience the thrills of ice climbing, without, you know, having to try and make our way up a frozen waterfall and really freaking out about it.
When: Opening TBD
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+
SNOW VALLEY
Edmonton has no shortage of local ski hills for you to check out. First up is Snow Valley, which has already opened for the season!
When: Open throughout December
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: Varies
SUNRIDGE
Next up on our local ski tour is Sunridge, which also recently opened for the season. 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 December
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, if you feel like this is this year you get steezy. Sorry, we haven’t watched freestyle skiing vids since the early Tom Wallisch days.
When: Open throughout December
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 December
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 has officially opened for the season! 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 December
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 December
Where: Locations around Edmonton
MISCELLANEOUS
SATURDAYS ON THE SQUARE
While this is kind of a holiday experience, it’s also just a fun thing to check out downtown this month! This free option has everything from film festivals to light displays and live entertainment, making it the perfect choice for a wintry night out.
When: Saturdays throughout December
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
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 December
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
DISCOVER ONE OF ALBERTA’S HIDDEN GEMS
For the adventurous among us, we’ve rounded up some of the best hidden gems to check out this winter. This list will take you all around the province, from stunning natural sights to lesser-known attractions and places to stay.
Where: Click the link above for more info
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 December
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 December
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 December
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
That’s what we’ve got in mind for the best things to do in and around Edmonton this December, folks! The weather might be chilly, but we feel all warm inside knowing we’ve got all this to look forward to!
