December can be a fairly expensive month, especially these days. Being end of the year, and with holiday shopping, if you’re looking to do things in town while cutting costs, check out our free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this coming month!
Downtown Winterval
Ready for a new holiday festival, Edmonton? Winterval kicks off on December 1st, and the new festival will let you enjoy historic 104 Street, as businesses “are decking their halls with deals and giveaways to help you stuff your stockings and fill your bellies.”
Be sure to dress for the weather to enjoy live music, sleigh rides, beer gardens, and holiday lights!
When: Friday, December 1st & Saturday, December 2nd, 2023
Where: 104 St north of Jasper Ave
Cost: Free to attend
Zoominescence
From dazzling installations to entertainment and more, Zoominescence is returning and it’s going to be enchanting! Bundle up and head over to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for Edmonton’s Favourite Winter Festival, celebrating light, artistry, imagination, and the strong spirit of our community in the winter.
When: Starts Friday, December 1st until January 3rd, 2024
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95
Candy Cane Lane
Get ready, because 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 – plus, it’s free to check out! If you want a sleigh ride, those are ticketed and available online.
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
Christmas Carol Sing-Along
It’s back for the 22nd year! The annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along will definitely put you in the festive spirit. Admission at the door by donation to the Christmas Bureau, providing festive meals to Edmontonians in need since 1940.
When: Friday, December 8th, 2023
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: By donation at the door
Enchanted Forest
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, lights and love – for your enjoyment!
When: On now until Sunday, January 7th, 2024
Where: 10005 102 St
Cost: Free
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Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
The Muttart Conservatory’s new feature “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” will get you into the holiday spirit! You can surround yourself with beautiful Muttart-grown poinsettias and a Christmas tree so big and beautiful that you’ll have to see it to believe it.
When: On now until January 2nd, 2024
Where: The Muttart Conservatory, 9626 – 96A Street
Cost: $14.95
Bright Light Skate Night
Want to check out a free skate night? Bundle up and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and the City Hall Plaza for Bright Light Skate Night on December 16. The free family-friendly event will feature skating, a DJ, fire pits, Indigenous and cultural performers and more!
When: Saturday. December 16th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
miyitowin ᒥᔨᑐᐃᐧᐣ Exchange of gifts LAST MINUTE SHOP TILL YOU DROP EVENT
If you need some last-minute holiday shopping, head to Alberta’s Biggest Lill All Indigenous Experience & Market this December. Share in the authentic local Indigenous Experience, share in stories, art, products, FREE Prize Draws, and non-stop live entertainment. While admission is free, they are asking for donations of clean, gently used winter clothing and footwear, as well as NEW UNUSED: socks, underwear, toiletries, and women’s sanitary items.
When: Saturday, December 16th, and Sunday, December 17th, 2023
Where: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market, 10305 97 St NW
Cost: Free
Edmonton Christmas Market
‘Tis the season! The holidays are here, and the Edmonton Christmas Market is back at Fort Edmonton Park. Head over to Fort Edmonton Park to experience holiday magic, do a little shopping, and enjoy some food and drinks.
When: November 29th to December 17th, 2023
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: $19.03 for General Admission
The Polar Express: The IMAX Experience
We love traditions, and this one in particular. The Polar Express is back for the holidays! Rewatch this holiday classic on Alberta’s largest screen, with multiple screenings available throughout the month.
When: Saturdays and Sundays until December 24th, 2023
Where: IMAX Theatre, 11211 142 St NW
Cost: $11.95
Happy holidays!
