‘Tis the season for sugar cookies, gifts and dazzling decorations. December is nearly here and you deserve to experience all there is to see and do. From markets and concerts to the many Christmas lights strung up around Edmonton, you’re in for a colourful month of friends, fun and family.
Ready to get into it? Do so without having to reach for your wallet! Here are just a few displays you can enjoy for FREE this month.
Recent Posts:
Here’s what’s new and coming soon to West Edmonton Mall
An indoor display with millions of twinkling lights is coming to Edmonton
Candy Cane Lane
View this post on Instagram
One of Edmonton’s most iconic holiday experiences returns this holiday season! An event that’s been around for years, Candy Cane Lane is a Christmas extravaganza that features incredible decorations, lights and fun.
When: Select nights from Friday, December 8th to January 1st, 2024
Where: 148 Street between 99 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Cost: Free, accepting donations for the food bank
CP Holiday Train
Starting things off with a choo-choo! The iconic CP Holiday Train is chugging around Canada again and this December it’ll roll into Wetaskiwin! Bundle up and enjoy live music, lights and hot cocoa in support of Canadian food banks.
When: Thursday, December 7th, 2023
Where: CPKC ES Building 4009 50th Street
Time: 3:25 pm
Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
Bright Light Skate Night and moonGARDEN Installation
Bundle up and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and the City Hall Plaza for a magical experience under a canopy of lights. The free family-friendly event will feature skating, a DJ, fire pits, cultural performers and the moonGARDEN interactive art installation (which you can visit until January)
When: December 1, 2023 to January 7, 2024 (skate night Saturday, December 16th, 2023)
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Light Up the Lake
View this post on Instagram
Up for a drive? This December, Sylvan will ‘Light up the Lake‘ during an event that runs for two days and will feature a market, breakfast with Santa, parade and even fireworks. If of course, you can’t make it on the 1st and 2nd, Sylvan will keep their 300,000 twinkling lights up until March of 2024.
When: Friday, December 1st and 2nd, 2023
Where: directions here
Cost: Free
Light Up Spruce Grove
Located just outside of Edmonton, you’ll find the charming Alberta city of Spruce Grove which has totally transformed their central park for the holidays. With over 50,000 LEDs in the past, the public is encouraged to take a scenic walk through twinkling blues, reds and greens all throughout the season.
When: All month long
Where: Central Park & Agrena – 450 King Street, Spruce Grove
Time: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Enchanted Forest
Lights, love and trees! This December wander through the ‘Enchanted Forest’ a Christmas tree festival where Edmontonians from all walks of life have purchased and decorated Firs with tinsel, beads and balls.
When: From now until Sunday, January 7th, 2024
Where: 10005 102 St
Cost: Free
Lights In the Park
Magic incoming! Located just outside of Calgary, the Greenland botanical garden has been transformed into a winter wonderland. With bright lights and technicolour, this dazzling experience is free – however, donations to the Strathcona Christmas Bureau and Salvation Army are encouraged.
When: Until January 1st, 2024
Where: 23108 Highway 16, Sherwood Park
Time: Weekdays until 9 pm and weekends until 6 pm
Cost: Free
There you have it! Places where you can see beautiful lights in and around Edmonton this winter and at Christmas time – for FREE. Be safe, stay warm, and enjoy!
